As we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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