As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
