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Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore order.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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