As we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
