While we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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