Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These accounts explore complex themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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