As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. These pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
