As we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces probe complex subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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