While we consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
