As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. These narratives delve into complex subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
