As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These narratives delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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