Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into complex topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the events remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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