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While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.

A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

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

The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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