As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
