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Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. These pieces explore complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a key question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's own motives?

The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined 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 Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.

The International AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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