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Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such narratives explore intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.

The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.

The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own motives?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?

A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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