Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such accounts explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated 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 expose the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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