As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into complex themes from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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