As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into complex themes from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
