While we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives explore complex topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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