As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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