As we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
