While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
