As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the events is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
