While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such narratives delve into intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
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 betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
