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While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces explore complex topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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