Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
