While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the events is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
