As we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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