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As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true intentions?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The International AI Race and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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