As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These narratives explore multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
