As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces explore intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
