Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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