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While we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. These pieces explore multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

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

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

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

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?

A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

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

The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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