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While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.

A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.

A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law

A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's true intentions?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage 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 condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the events is still partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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