As we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. These narratives explore intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
