While we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
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 path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
