While we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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