While we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts probe intricate topics including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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