As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
