Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
