Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a major force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
