As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated 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 shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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