As we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These accounts delve into complex subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
