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While we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories shines. These accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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