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.
Women aren’t meant to talk about miscarriage. But I’ve never been able to keep a secret The Guardian
A fine piece of writing about the author’s experience of miscarriage.
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”.
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.
How Britain let Russia hide its dirty money
A piece looking at the influx of Russian money into the UK.
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.
Who are the new jihadis?
The author analyses information available about terrorist attackers today and evaluates the theory that they are “violent nihilists who adopt Islam, rather than religious fundamentalists who turn to violence”.
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.
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.
The Big Gamble
Betting shops are ubiquitous on Britain’s high streets. They can be very dangerous places to work.