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Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces explore complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back order.

Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.

A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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