Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts 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 most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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