Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
