While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such narratives explore complex subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The 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 long lacked an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
