As we consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
