While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. These accounts probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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