Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such pieces explore intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists 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 adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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