While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe complex topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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