While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group 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 appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race 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. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
