Upon consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. These accounts explore complex topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she truly changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened 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 become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
