While we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such narratives probe intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
