🔗 Share this article

Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts explore intricate subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own methods?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore order.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.

The best narratives