As we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful journalism
