When 2011 began, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was known as the widely respected International Monetary Fund chief who seemed destined to become France's next President. As the year closes, the disgraced Strauss-Kahn is synonymous with accusations of attempted rape, international scandal and the peril in which some men will place their careers and lives to satisfy their sexual obsessions. A criminal sexual-assault case against Strauss-Kahn in the U.S. was dropped, yet a civil suit related to his behavior awaits trial. Whatever the outcome, the debacle opened up a new chapter in the discussion about men, power and sexual harassment in both France and the U.S. but apparently closed the book on Strauss-Kahn's political career.
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.