While we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
