Upon consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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