While we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such pieces explore complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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