Makram Ouaiss is the Executive Director of the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS). Established in 1989, the center is one of the leading think tanks in the country, conducting evidence-based research in Lebanon and the MENA region in the areas of governance, sustainable economic development, and the promotion of inclusive and effective social and environmental policies. Before joining the center, Ouaiss was a professor of political science and international affairs, with a specialization in conflict analysis and resolution, at the Lebanese American University (LAU) for 15 years. At LAU, he held several administrative positions and initiated the master’s degree in Conflict Resolution. He is the author of a number of articles and studies on the topics of civil peace, elections, and democratization. He has served as Senior Advisor for Elections to the Minister of Interior and worked as a consultant for international organizations such as the UNDP, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, International IDEA, IFES, and the Carter Center. He has also served on the board of several civil society organizations working on civil peace, national dialogue, democracy-strengthening, and election observation. Ouaiss holds a PhD from the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and a master’s degree in international affairs and economics from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.