While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such pieces explore complex subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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