A Best In-Depth Stories of the Year: An Compendium of Thought-Provoking Journalism

While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe intricate themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true intentions?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.

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