Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such pieces explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
