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As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces probe intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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