As we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such pieces probe complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The best stories
