While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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