As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. These narratives explore multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
