Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
