While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These pieces delve into complex themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
