Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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