While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. These pieces delve into complex themes including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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