While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over 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 played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts 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 betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best journalism
