As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These narratives explore complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only 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 scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
