Makram Ouaiss

Makram Ouaiss is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the Lebanese American University (LAU). His areas of research are conflict resolution, democratic development and international relations. He held the position of Chief Technical Specialist for the Strengthening Electoral Program in Lebanon with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in support of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. Before joining LAU, Ouaiss was also associated with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) where he held the positions of senior advisor for political and election processes, deputy director for Central and West Africa and deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa region. He was also in charge of South Asia programs for over six years. In these capacities, Ouaiss has conducted parliamentary, political party, civic and election programs in over 30 countries. Before joining the Institute, Ouaiss worked at Amnesty International and the United Nations’ Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He has published articles and reports on democratization and conflict resolution in the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia and around the world. Ouaiss was elected coordinator of a pro-peace coalition of 27 nongovernmental organizations called the Gathering Wahdatouna Khalasouna (Our Unity is Our Salvation) and board member of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE). Ouaiss holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SCAR) and a Masters’ degree in International Affairs and Economics from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), of the Johns Hopkins University.