As we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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