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Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.

The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

The Global AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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