While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme 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 reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
