While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories shines. These pieces probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
