The Finest Long-Form Stories of 2025: An Collection of Thought-Provoking Journalism

While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces delve into complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true motives?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

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

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

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

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.

The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.

The most impactful stories

Renee Richardson
Renee Richardson

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and international affairs.