While we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped 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 mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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