While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
