Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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