As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts explore complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
