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As we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. These narratives explore complex topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.

The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights

Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events is still partially contested.

The "Master" of the Attention 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 savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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