As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
