Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These pieces explore multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
