While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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