While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These narratives probe complex themes including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
