The Finest Long-Form Reads of the Year: A Collection of Compelling Journalism

While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces explore complex topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights

A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

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