While we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such accounts probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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