As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
