As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts probe complex topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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