Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives delve into complex topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
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 far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
