While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
