While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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