As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best stories
