Michael Ignatieff

Canadian professor, writer and politician · Canada · Academics · Born 1947 · age 79

Michael Ignatieff is read about 239 times a day, in 32 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 12 October 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 387 days, one point a day.

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Michael Grant Ignatieff is a Canadian author, academic and former politician who served as leader of the Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition from 2008 until 2011. Known for his work as a historian, Ignatieff has held senior academic posts at the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Toronto.

A life in dates

2024Princess of Asturias Award for Social SciencesAward2023“You shouldn’t go into politics just to prove yourself - skydiving would be an easier path.”In their words7 September 2023"Why Would Anyone Become a Politician?", The Atlantic (7 September 2023)Read the whole statement

2019Dan David PrizeAward2012Francisco Cerecedo PrizeAward2007“As a former denizen of Harvard, I’ve had to learn that a sense of reality doesn’t always flourish in elite institutions. It is the street virtue par excellence.”In their words5 August 2007Getting Iraq Wrong, The New York Times (August 5, 2007).Read the whole statement

2006“Ever since I entered Parliament in January, people have been asking me: Why have you gone into politics? As in: “Are you nuts?” No, I’m not nuts. This is my country, after all.”In their words30 March 2006Canada in the World Speech, University of Ottawa (30 March 2006)Read the whole statement

“I’m in politics to speak up for a Canada that takes risks, that stands up for what’s right. A Canada that leads.”In their words30 March 2006Canada in the World Speech, University of Ottawa (30 March 2006)Read the whole statement

2004“To defeat evil, we may have to traffic in evils: indefinite detention of suspects, coercive interrogations, targeted assassinations, even pre-emptive war.”In their words2 May 2004The New York Times Magazine (May 2, 2004)Read the whole statement

“The difference between us and terrorists is supposed to be that we play by these rules, even if they don't. No, I haven't forgotten Hiroshima and My Lai.”In their words2 May 2004The New York Times Magazine (May 2, 2004)Read the whole statement

2003Hannah Arendt PrizeAward1994Lionel Gelber PrizeAward1988Heinemann AwardAward1987Governor General's Award for English-language non-fictionAward1947Born12 May 1947

Also in Deutsch

Photos 3

Ignatieff at the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade, December 5, 2009

Ignatieff with US President Barack Obama in Ottawa on February 19, 2009

In their own words 10

Michael Ignatieff

10 statements, newest first

You shouldn’t go into politics just to prove yourself - skydiving would be an easier path.
Sep 7, 2023, "Why Would Anyone Become a Politician?", The Atlantic (7 September 2023), Own words
Here's what we shouldn't do. We shouldn't import failed criminal justice policies from the United States.
Apr 12, 2011, English Language Leaders' Debate (April 12, 2011)., Own words
As a former denizen of Harvard, I’ve had to learn that a sense of reality doesn’t always flourish in elite institutions. It is the street virtue par excellence.
Aug 5, 2007, Getting Iraq Wrong, The New York Times (August 5, 2007)., Own words