Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. Such pieces probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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