As we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives explore complex themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
