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While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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