In an era dominated by headlines of America's global decline, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has managed to project Washington's (albeit diminished) power in crisis hot spots from North Africa to the western Pacific. If the Pax Americana that loomed large over much of the 20th century endures into the 21st, it'll be in no small part due to the diplomatic foundations laid by Clinton.
From tsunamis to budget battles to revolutions, 2011 has been a tumultuous, news-packed year. Who influenced the news most, for better or worse? Tradition dictates that TIME's editors choose the Person of the Year. Now that voting has closed, view the final ratings.