Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
