Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a major force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
