As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
