As we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. Such narratives probe intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer 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 a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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