While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe intricate topics including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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