Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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