As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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