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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such narratives delve into complex topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law

Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the events is still partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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