🔗 Share this article

Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.

The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.

A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat contested.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.

The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

The finest journalism