As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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