Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
