While we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces explore intricate subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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