Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted themes including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best stories
