While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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