The Best In-Depth Articles of the Year: A Compendium of Compelling Writing
As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These pieces explore intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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