Upon consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. It raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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