The Year in Political Trends

Protesting economic disparities was a top trend in 2011.

Arab Spring - A young Tunisian street vendor set himself on fire in December 2010 to protest the political and economic climate in his country. His action ignited uprisings across the Middle East that forced the ousting of leaders in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Egypt, the latter having recently held its first “free and fair” Democratic elections. (Photo: REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra)

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Arab Spring - A young Tunisian street vendor set himself on fire in December 2010 to protest the political and economic climate in his country. His action ignited uprisings across the Middle East that forced the ousting of leaders in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Egypt, the latter having recently held its first “free and fair” Democratic elections. (Photo: REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra)

The Occupy Movement (Worldwide) - Although the main issues raised by Occupy Wall Street spanned a wide range, the protest movement stemmed largely from public frustration around social and economic inequality (as referred to by the campaign slogan: We are the 99 percent), corruption and the influence corporations wielded in government matters. The Occupy Movement began in New York City on Sept. 17, 2011, and spread worldwide.(Photo: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

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Occupy Movement - Inspired by the Arab Spring and wearied by a sour economy that has enabled the rich to get richer while the middle class slowly disappears, activists across the country have joined the Occupy Movement to protest economic inequality. But as they struggle to form a cohesive plan of action, other than encamping on public property, opponents of the movement wonder if they’re simply rebels without a true cause. (Photo: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

Collective Bargaining vs. State Governments - To save money and reign in costs, governors in some states, most famously Ohio and Wisconsin, signed into law legislation to curb union workers’ collective bargaining rights. A group called We Are Ohio spent more than $30 million dollars, gathered more than a million signatures and the bill was successfully repealed in November.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Collective Bargaining vs. State Governments - To save money and reign in costs, governors in some states, most famously Ohio and Wisconsin, signed into law legislation to curb union workers’ collective bargaining rights. A group called We Are Ohio spent more than $30 million dollars, gathered more than a million signatures and the bill was successfully repealed in November.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Recall Elections - “Throw the bums out” is an expression used to show dissatisfaction at the polls. But in 2011, some voters don’t want to wait until certain lawmakers’ terms are up and are calling for recall elections. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is fighting a possible recall election, and if he loses will join four of the 11 lawmakers who had to defend their seats in 2011 and lost. Only 21 state lawmakers have faced recalls in the nation’s history; 13 were successful.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Recall Elections - “Throw the bums out” is an expression used to show dissatisfaction at the polls. But in 2011, some voters don’t want to wait until certain lawmakers’ terms are up and are calling for recall elections. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is fighting a possible recall election, and if he loses will join four of the 11 lawmakers who had to defend their seats in 2011 and lost. Only 21 state lawmakers have faced recalls in the nation’s history; 13 were successful.(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Political Unrest and Social Media - From the Middle East to the America’s West Coast, political protesters are sharing photos and messages about their activities around the world using social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.

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Political Unrest and Social Media - From the Middle East to the America’s West Coast, political protesters are sharing photos and messages about their activities around the world using social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.