Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. These accounts delve into complex topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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