Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
