While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives probe intricate themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
