While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
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 baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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