Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. These narratives probe complex themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
