While we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into complex themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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