World Events · 2011
Uprisings, Disasters, and Shifts in Global Power
The year 2011 was defined by tumultuous geopolitical shifts as long-standing authoritarian regimes fell across the Middle East during the Arab Spring. Meanwhile, Japan endured a catastrophic natural and nuclear disaster, while major global anti-terror operations reached historic climaxes.
- January–February 2011 | Egypt
The Egyptian Revolution and Arab Spring
Massive civilian demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square forced President Hosni Mubarak to step down after nearly thirty years of autocratic rule.
- March 11, 2011 | Japan
Tōhoku Earthquake and Fukushima Disaster
A devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan, triggering catastrophic meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
- May 2, 2011 | Pakistan
The Raid on Osama bin Laden
United States Navy SEALs raided a compound in Abbottabad, killing the Al-Qaeda leader responsible for the September 11 attacks.
- July 9, 2011 | South Sudan
Independence of South Sudan
Following a historic referendum, South Sudan officially declared independence from Sudan, becoming the world's newest recognized sovereign nation.
- September 17, 2011 | United States
Launch of Occupy Wall Street
Protesters occupied Zuccotti Park in New York City to denounce corporate influence and economic inequality, launching a global populist movement.
- October 5, 2011 | United States
Passing of Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away at age 56, triggering global tributes for his role in revolutionizing personal computing and mobile devices.
- October 20, 2011 | Libya
Fall of Muammar Gaddafi
Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebel forces in Sirte, concluding the First Libyan Civil War.
- December 18, 2011 | Iraq
Formal End of the Iraq War
The final convoy of American military personnel crossed into Kuwait, officially concluding nearly nine years of U.S. combat operations in Iraq.
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