Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
