While we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
