While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
