While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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