As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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