As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts delve into complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
