Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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