Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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