Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The finest journalism
