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Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.

Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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