As we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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