While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces explore intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
