While we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
