Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
