While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such pieces probe complex topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
