Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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