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

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own methods?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.

The English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

The International AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.

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