As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
