While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These narratives probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has become a key force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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