Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These accounts probe complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes 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 appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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