As we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such narratives probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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