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As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These accounts explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.

The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was sadly wrong.

A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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