Michael Ignatieff

At-a-Glance

Awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences in 2024.
Served as leader of the Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition from 2008 until 2011.
Held senior academic posts at the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Toronto.
Author of books including "Blood and Belonging" and "The Russian Album," which won Canada's Governor General's Literary Award.
Delivered the Massey Lectures, entitled "The Rights Revolution," in 2000.
Known for his work as a historian and for publishing articles and essays on international affairs and Canadian politics.
Was a television and radio broadcaster and an editorial columnist for The Observer.

Biography

Michael Ignatieff is a Canadian author, academic, and former politician. He served as leader of the Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition from 2008 until 2011, having been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Etobicoke—Lakeshore in 2006. His political career concluded after the 2011 federal election, where the Liberal Party experienced a significant defeat, leading to his resignation as leader.