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While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles emerges. These pieces explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Identity

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to restore order.

Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

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

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

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

The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.

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