As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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