Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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