While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into complex topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
