As we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
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 may possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
