As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
