As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These accounts explore intricate subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
