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As we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.

A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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