Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. These narratives explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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