While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
