As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. Such accounts explore intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest journalism
