As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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