While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These narratives explore intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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