Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best stories
