As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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