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Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – until potentially now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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