While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. These narratives probe complex subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting satires on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
