Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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