As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
