As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such pieces delve into multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
