As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. These accounts explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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