As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
