While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child 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 Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
