The Best In-Depth Reads of the Year: An Collection of Thought-Provoking Writing

As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate subjects including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.

The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.

The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore order.

Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.

An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. I was tragically wrong.

The Global AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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