While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
