As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These narratives explore complex topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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