While we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
