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As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These accounts explore multifaceted themes including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the key to who wins the global AI race.

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