While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
