Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces delve into intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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