Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These pieces explore intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific 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. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest journalism
