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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.

The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over 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 a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back order.

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

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still partially contested.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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