As we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. These narratives probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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