Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. Such accounts probe complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives