Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
