While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During 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 killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest stories
