While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts explore intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
