While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
