Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such narratives probe intricate themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
