As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. These accounts explore complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
