Upon consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. These accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
