Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a key question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
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 who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
