As we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces probe multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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