2011

2011 saw a wave of revolutions in the Arab world, worsening crisis in the eurozone and the death of postmodernism. We’ve chosen 12 of our highlights from the last 12 months. 1. The DNA of a generation Margaret Thatcher’s biographer John Campbell watches the biopic starring Meryl Streep and asks what politicians can learn from the Iron Lady 2. The Boris dilemma The mayor of London is poised to win a second term, and many reckon his goal is Number 10. But would anyone take him seriously? James Macintyre profiles Boris Johnson 3. Europe’s fragile bonds Greece is heading for default. If France and Germany decline to help, the eurozone—and Europe—could face disaster, Wolfgang Münchau wrote in June 4. The new face of China? Bo Xilai, the “rock star” of Chinese politics, is on the rise. But does his ascent signal a return to Mao-era politics? Dan Levininvestigates 5. A good crisis gone to waste The turmoil following the collapse of Lehman Brothers three years ago was an opportunity to reform the world’s financial system. It was missed, writes John Kay, and the new crisis promises little change 6. Britain in 2021 Debts, a disintegrating Union and an awkward King? Or more growth, more privacy and oil under the Isle of Wight? Samuel Brittan, Lucy Prebble, Tom Ravenscroft and others tellProspect how the country will look ten years from now 7. Postmodernism is dead A new exhibition signals the end of postmodernism. Edward Docx asks what it was—and what comes next? 8. The most beautiful game Geoff Dyer calls Federer the “apotheosis of tennis-ness” andLionel Shriver explains how she made peace with this maddening, all-consuming game 9. Lost for words The King’s Speech is the first film to portray my speech defect realistically, says the Man Booker-nominated novelist David Mitchell 10. Out of thin air Elite athletes increasingly depend on technology to help them win. But, asks David Edmonds, what constitutes an unfair advantage, and who should decide? 11. Matters of taste Wendell Steavenson praises koshari—the “mash of macaroni, vermicelli, rice, lentils and chickpeas"—that helped fuel Egypt’s revolution 12. New pursuit of Schrödinger’s cat Quantum theory is reliable but fraught with paradox. Philip Ballasks if scientists will now find an object existing in two places at once