As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It poses a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
