Upon consider the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives probe complex topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
