Upon consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These accounts explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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