The Best Feature Articles of 2025: An Selection of Thought-Provoking Journalism

As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore complex themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?

An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The International AI Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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