While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These pieces delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
