While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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