PERSON OF THE YEAR
TIME's Person of the Year: The Protester
A year after a Tunisian fruit vendor set himself ablaze, dissent has spread across the Middle East, reaching Europe and the U.S., reshaping global politics and redefining people power
Person of the Year Introduction
History often emerges only in retrospect. Events become significant only when looking back
The Protester: A Portfolio by Peter Hapak
As TIME names the protester its 2011 Person of the Year, a look at protesters from around the world, from New York and Oakland to the Middle East
Runner-Up: William McRaven
He led the special-ops teams that took down Osama bin Laden. For both the man and his troops, it was a long time coming
Runner-Up: Artist Ai Weiwei
In a year of crackdowns in China, the fate of its best-known artist held the world in suspense. How far will Ai's activism go?
Runner-Up: Congressman Paul Ryan
The Republican congressman wrote a plan to rein in America's debt. It will shape our politics for years to come
Runner-Up: Kate Middleton
Her wedding to Prince William captured the gaze and goodwill of millions. Now the demure, diplomatic Duchess Of Cambridge is poised to reinvest celebrity with restraint
SPECIAL REPORT
People Who Mattered (Person of the Year)
TIME surveys the key figures, from politics and sports to entertainment and religion, who shaped our world over the past year
Fond Farewells (Person of the Year)
Remembering those who left us in 2011: Carrie Fisher on Elizabeth Taylor, John Lasseter on Steve Jobs, Rosalynn Carter on Betty Ford
COMMENTARY
Seasons in a Turbulent Year
What follows an Arab Spring, Indignant Summer, Occupied Fall and Russian Winter?
TRAVEL
Capital Appreciation (Next Time You're in ... Brazil)
Board a Bus for the Best Way to See Brasília
High Times (After Dark)
Chill Out at the summit of Ho Chi Minh City
LETTERS
Saving the Euro (Inbox)
Rethinking Angst; A Voice of Reason; The Not-So-Good Old Days; Godspeed, Voyagers