While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These narratives explore intricate themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
