Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories shines. Such pieces explore complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular 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 encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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