The Best In-Depth Reads of 2025: An Selection of Thought-Provoking Writing

As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories shines. These accounts explore intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?

A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

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

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

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

The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat contested.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.

A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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