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While we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives explore intricate themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.

The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.

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