The Top Feature Articles of the Year: An Collection of Compelling Writing

Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.

A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.

A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.

A International AI Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

The most impactful stories