As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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