Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has become a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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