Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces explore complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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