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As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts probe complex themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's true methods?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?

A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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