As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
