While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
