Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During 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, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best narratives
