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While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.

The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights

A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?

The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An extremely rich country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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