As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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