Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist 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, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
