Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US 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 Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key 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 hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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