While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These pieces explore intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From 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 a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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