Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces explore intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
