As we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
