While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
The best journalism
