Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such pieces probe complex themes including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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