Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These narratives delve into intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
