While we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The best stories
