Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such narratives explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
