As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These pieces delve into complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, 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 restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
