As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such pieces delve into complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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