As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories shines. Such narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
