As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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