Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These pieces explore complex topics including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
