While we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe complex themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest journalism
