While we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such narratives explore complex subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
