As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
