As we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These pieces explore complex topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: 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 Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
