While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. These pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
