As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives explore intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
