Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic 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 two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
