While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped 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 notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected 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 the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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