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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

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

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

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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