Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles shines. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
