As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These accounts probe multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle 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.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
