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While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These accounts explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.

A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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