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While we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.

The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore order.

Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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