Before we say goodbye to 2010, a look back at the year’s achievements and disasters, natural and otherwise.

Our Favorite 50 from 2010.

FP had a pretty good year when it came to art. We celebrate the brilliant designers and photographers who translate ideas (and occasional wonkiness) into things of beauty.

In global politics, it was a year of highs and lows. Our readers were mostly interested in the lows.

New Year’s resolutions for world leaders.

The 16 brewing conflicts to watch for in 2011.

How a notorious Malaysian wildlife smuggler was brought to justice — and what it tells us about stopping the world’s most profitable black market.
Plus: Scenes from the illegal wildlife trade.

The secret history of Iran’s 50-year quest for the bomb.

A dangerous drift in postwar Abkhazia.

Plus: Scenes of life in Europe’s “blank spot on the map.”