Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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