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Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.

The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own motives?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.

A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center

An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

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