Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best narratives
