Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
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 might hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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