Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
