Upon consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
