As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
