While we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles shines. These pieces explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
