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As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These narratives delve into intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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