Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
