As we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts 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 latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
