While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces probe complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
