A Finest In-Depth Reads of the Year: An Compendium of Compelling Writing

While we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.

The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat contested.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.

The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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