As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
