Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest journalism
