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While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

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

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.

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

An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

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

The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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