As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories