Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces probe complex topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Although several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This raises a key question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
