Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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