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As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.

The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

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

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.

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

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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