Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts explore intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
