While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
