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As we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.

A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he become an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

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

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still partially unclear.

The "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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