While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
