Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
