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While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These pieces probe multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

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

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.

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