As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting satires on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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