As we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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