While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These accounts probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
