Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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