Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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