Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
