Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
