As we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest journalism
