As we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. Such pieces probe intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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