While we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has become a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
