Upon consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
