The Finest Feature Reads of 2025: A Selection of Thought-Provoking Writing

Upon consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such accounts delve into complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to bring back peace.

Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.

The English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.

A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center

An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.

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