While we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These accounts delve into complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
