The Finest Feature Reads of 2025: An Compendium of Thought-Provoking Journalism

While we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.

Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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