While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such accounts probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest stories
