While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
