While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These accounts explore multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
