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Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such accounts delve into intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman 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 breadth of abuse it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – until possibly now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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