While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These accounts explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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