Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
