While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
