As we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
