Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. Such accounts explore intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
