As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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