While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These pieces delve into complex themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
