Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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