As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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