Revenge of the Tabloids
British tabloid newspapers were thought by many to be in irreversible decline due to falling print circulation and repeated scandals, yet they have had their enduring influence dramatically underlined by events in 2016.
The last Nazi hunters
A look at the work of Germany’s Central Office for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes.
How to spot a perfect fake: the world’s top art forgery detective
As the prices commanded by landmark works and artists rise ever higher, so too does the sophistication of forgeries being produced to dupe collectors and institutions. A tip: it’s apparently far easier to copy a Modigliani than a Leonardo – at a recent exhibition of his work, 20 out of the 21 works on display were found to be counterfeits. This piece profiles the man said to be the very best in the field of science-led authentication.
How Britain let Russia hide its dirty money
A piece looking at the influx of Russian money into the UK.
Where global warming gets real: inside Nasa’s mission to the north pole
The story of Nasa’s evocatively named Operation IceBridge.
The Most Potent, Permanent and Elusive Figure in British Politics
A fascinating January 2016 profile of Jeremy Heywood, the man heading the UK civil service. He has been an instrumental part of government during the reign of the last three Prime Ministers, and reportedly has a seat at every table that matters.
Hugh Cudlipp Lecture 2018: James Harding
The former Director of BBC News and Editor of The Times asserts in this lecture that technology is damaging democracy. The piece is elevated from the multitude of others with a similar theme by its superior writing, wry humour, and effective deployment of numerous case studies from this time of “democratic recession”.
How the Tory election machine fell apart
A piece that challenges the common adage that The Conservative Party is the most adept in the UK at electoral campaigning.
Brexit: How a Fringe Idea Took Hold Of the Tory Party
Matthew d’Ancona looks at the behind the scenes dynamics that have led to the referendum on leaving the EU.
Gangster’s paradise: how organised crime took over Russia
A piece examining the criminal organisations operating in Russia and how they have evolved during Vladimir Putin’s time in office.