While we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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