A Best Feature Stories of the Year: A Compendium of Profound Journalism
Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case 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 two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
