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Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center

An extremely wealthy country has become a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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