While we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such narratives explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
