Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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