As we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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