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Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated 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 Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore order.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. I was sadly wrong.

A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.

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