As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. Such accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
