Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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