Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The best journalism
