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While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.

A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An astonishingly rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the events remains partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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