As we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into complex themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
