Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe complex topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
