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As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces explore intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.

The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.

The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

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

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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