While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. Such narratives delve into complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts 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 unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
