Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to 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 Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions 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 latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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