Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces explore intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world 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 information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
