As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
