While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
