Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best stories
