While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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