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As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such accounts delve into complex subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.

A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?

A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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