As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
