COVER
Why Always Mario? (Sports)
Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has the eyes of the footballing world on him. But it's not always his remarkable skills with the ball that keep fans and detractors enthralled
BRIEFING
Wine Racket: Why All Is Not Well in the Rarefied World of Fine Wine (Economy)
Fine wine is in high demand. But how do you know your Château Lafite is real?
COMMENTARY
Breaking the Deadlock (Worldview)
Taming a dysfunctional political system will be the next President's first priority
Oh, No! We're Gonna Win! (Viewpoint)
Republicans expect things to get worse. Which is why Romney will lose, right?
Closing Arguments (In the Arena)
We will not jump off the fiscal cliff. We'll be fine despite an unsatisfying campaign
SPECIAL REPORT
25 Best Inventions of the Year (Technology)
Robots, rovers and the rest of 2012's most important innovations, from the affordable to the extreme
UNITED STATES
Outsmarting The Surge
The devastating superstorm was a sign of things to come. How we can better prepare for a catastrophe-prone future
ELECTION 2012
The Case For Barack Obama (U.S. Election 2012)
Sure, we know he's not a savior. But he's a brave leader, worthy of four more years
The Case For Mitt Romney (U.S. Election 2012)
He may not inspire. But America needs a ruthlessly efficient reformer
ESSAY
No One Asked Them for ID: Is Groupie Culture to Blame for the Savile Scandal?
How much is underage-groupie culture to blame for the Jimmy Savile scandal?
LETTERS
Security State (Inbox)
Utopian Dream; Defining What's Right; Drug Trade; Insight into All Life; Ireland's True Heroes