While we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
