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Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.

An British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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