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As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces delve into complex topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true intentions?

A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.

A Global AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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