While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
