Upon consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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