The Top Long-Form Stories of the Year: A Collection of Profound Journalism

While we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. Such accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country

An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?

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

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat contested.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

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

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A International AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

The most impactful stories