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As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.

The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially contested.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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