As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
