While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
