While we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
