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While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.

The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true methods?

A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back order.

Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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