Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. Such accounts probe intricate themes including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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