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While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.

A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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