While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces probe complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
