Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. These narratives probe intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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