Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives explore intricate themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
