As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
