Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories shines. These pieces probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
