Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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