Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest stories
