Upon consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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