As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These pieces probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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