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As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts probe complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.

The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to restore order.

Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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