While we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such pieces explore intricate topics including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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