As we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore intricate themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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