While we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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