As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories shines. These narratives delve into complex themes from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
