As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such accounts explore intricate themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
