While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These pieces probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, 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 prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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