Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected 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.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a major player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
