About
Michael Grant Ignatieff is a Canadian author, academic, and former politician. He is widely known for his work as a historian and has held prestigious academic positions at universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Toronto. From 2008 to 2011, Ignatieff served as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and the leader of the Opposition. More recently, he served as the rector and president of Central European University from 2016 to 2021.
Career Timeline
Publishes First Book
Publishes his first book, launching his career as a writer and intellectual.
Harvard Professorship
Appointed professor at Harvard University, solidifying his academic reputation.
Enters Canadian Politics
Enters Canadian politics, running for and winning a seat in Parliament.
Liberal Party Leader
Becomes leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, assuming a prominent role in Canadian politics.
Election Defeat
Suffers a significant defeat in the Canadian federal election, leading to his resignation as party leader.
CEU President
Becomes Rector and President of Central European University.
Leaves CEU
Departs from Central European University.
Academic and Author
Continues his work as an academic and author, reflecting on his experiences in politics and academia.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 24, 2026