Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These accounts probe multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best journalism
