COVER
2012: User's Guide
In our first annual guide to the year ahead, we offer a road map for the next 12 months of news
The GOP Free-for-All (2012 Politics: The Election)
With no limits on spending — or offending — in the primaries, Republicans risk harming their presidential candidate
A Map of Trouble (2012 Politics: Middle East)
What will the Middle East look like in a year? Private intelligence firm Stratfor plots the possibilities
The Son Also Rises (2012 Politics: Asia)
Kim Jong Il's death set strategists in motion across the globe. Here's what they have to think about
Taking Off (2012 Business: Air Travel)
Boeing's mostly composite Dreamliner is in full production. Expect less jet lag and more fresh air
Stocks for Safety? (2012 Business: Global Economics)
Sovereign bonds took a beating. Why multinationals are better than nations
China's Buy List (2012 Business: Global Economics)
It's scooping up more commodities, continents — and soccer stars
Euro-Free Zone (2012 Business: Global Economics)
How many drachmas (or lire or francs) will a post-euro cup of coffee cost?
COMMENTARY
A Post-American World in Progress
Why emerging powers didn't lead in 2011 and won't in the coming year
IN THE ARENA
How Much Government Is Enough?
Give the goofy GOP credit: it has raised key questions about the U.S.'s future
10 QUESTIONS
10 Questions: The 2012 Culture News Quiz (2012 Culture: News Quiz)
This time they're for you. Practice your punditry and forecast the coming year's international news
LETTERS
Reform in Russia? (Inbox)
The Pakistan Problem; Burma's Thaw; Romney's Challenge