Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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