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While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length articles shines. These accounts explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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