Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These narratives probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition 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. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
