While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful journalism
