As we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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