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Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts explore complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.

The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

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

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains partially unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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