As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These narratives explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
