Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
