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Democracy – A Good to Be Defended

Historian Michael Ignatieff in conversation with political philosopher Dr Katja Gentinetta.

Speakers

Wednesday, 13. November 2024, 18:30 – 20:00 h

Live from the Studio

Event Language: English

The model of democracy is on the retreat. Dictators and autocrats are emerging in increasing numbers to challenge and threaten it. What measures can the West take to raise awareness of democracy, freedom and the rule of law in difficult times?

Speakers

Professor Michael Ignatieff

Historian, Central European University, Vienna

Short Bio

Born in Canada in 1947, educated at the University of Toronto and Harvard, Michael Ignatieff is a university professor, writer and former politician. Between 2006 and 2011, Ignatieff served as an MP in the Parliament of Canada and then as Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition. He is a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and holds thirteen honorary degrees.

Between 2012 and 2015 he served as Centennial Chair at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs in New York. Between 2014 and 2016 he was Edward R. Murrow Chair of the Press, Politics and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Michael Ignatieff was Rector and President of the Central European University Vienna (based in Budapest until 2019). He stepped down from this position in 2021 and has been a professor in the Department of History ever since.

Overview of the SIAF speakers