While we consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These accounts explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
