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The CLS is an independent academic institution, founded in 1984 by a group of Lebanese concerned with the state of affairs in their country. Their objective was to set up an institution that would undertake impartial and balanced research and contribute towards Lebanon's recovery. The aim was to promote better understanding of Lebanon and to help find solutions to its problems.

Two decades on, the Centre has achieved international recognition and is now established as an institution that plays a pivotal role as a focus for academics, journalists, business-leaders, policy-makers and students. Through its conferences, publications and contacts, the Centre has become a major international resource for Lebanon.

The Centre for Lebanese Studies’ affiliation to the Middle East Centre at St Antony's College, Oxford, and the support provided by the late Albert Hourani and other fellows of that Centre are a major factor in its success. A research committee comprising scholars of international reputation advises the Centre on its programme.

The Centre owes its success to the continuing financial support of committed individuals and organisations, public and private, that have funded its activities and have provided it with the freedom and independence required to carry out its work as a Centre of excellence. A registered charity, the Centre is governed by a board dedicated to its existence and success.
Please see our Friends of the CLS page.

"The CLS is a vital research organisation for scholars, journalists, writers and others around the world.
Without it, much of the work on contemporary and historical Lebanon simply would cease to exist."

Lebanon Electoral Systems Conference, Oxford, January 1996

c/o 14a Airlie Gardens, London W8 7AL Telephone: +44(0)20 7221 3809

4 Oct 2005