Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. These accounts delve into complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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