As we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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