Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. These accounts delve into complex themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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