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As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.

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

An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?

A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events is still partially shrouded.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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