As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These accounts explore complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
