While we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such accounts delve into complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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