While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces delve into intricate subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
