Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These pieces delve into complex topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
