As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such narratives explore complex topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect 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 uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
