While we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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