Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
