The Best Long-Form Reads of 2025: A Compendium of Profound Journalism

While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own motives?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

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

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

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

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

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

The best stories

James Ramsey
James Ramsey

A seasoned turf journalist with over a decade of experience covering major racing events and providing data-driven betting advice.