As we consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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