Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. These pieces delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
