Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such narratives explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
