As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. These narratives probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
