While we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. Such pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
