While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. These pieces delve into intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
