While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
