Upon consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces explore intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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