Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces probe intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
