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Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts delve into complex topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

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