Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
