Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories shines. These accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During 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 killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best journalism
