Upon consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These pieces explore complex themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
