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As we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true methods?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.

Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.

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