Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These pieces explore multifaceted themes including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly changed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
