As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
