As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces probe complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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