A Finest In-Depth Reads of the Year: An Selection of Thought-Provoking Writing

While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.

A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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