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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.

A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.

The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Identity

A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

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

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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