While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These narratives probe intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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