Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These pieces explore complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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