Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These accounts probe complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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