Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts probe intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the events remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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