As we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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