Director:
| Bahout, Joseph |
| Assistant Director: | Mourad, Yara |
| Staff: | Abbas, Dania (Finance and Grants
Manager); Chamma, Marina
(Communications Manager); Solh, Leila
(Research Development Manager); Hodroj,
Lamis (Administrative Assistant)
|
Inaugurated in 2006, the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) was established as an independent, research-based and policy-oriented institute with the aim of initiating, developing, and communicating policy-relevant research from and about Lebanon and the Arab world, contributing to the realms of both academia and policymaking.
Forming a bridge between academia and policymaking, the central mission of IFI is threefold:
- To conduct and disseminate high-quality research on the complex issues, problems, and challenges faced by Lebanon and the Arab world within the world’s rapidly shifting global contexts.
- To generate research and evidence-based policy recommendations to address local and regional challenges.
- To create a space for interdisciplinary dialogue, engagement, and exchange of ideas among various stakeholders.
Since its establishment, the Institute has made an indelible contribution to research and debates on public policy and international affairs in Lebanon, the region, and internationally. The Institute takes pride in its vast knowledge of and hands-on experience with the political landscape and numerous policy networks in the Middle East and beyond. Treading the sensitive interface between research and “real” politics, IFI navigates the often-arduous process of dialogue between experts and policymakers, integrating the constraints of real-time policy-making and the intricacies of governmental, inter-agency work. More importantly, the Institute has made large and successful contributions to the shaping of research agendas, and has introduced local and international stakeholders to novel and innovative ways of thinking and understanding the world’s problems. It has effectively brought together the worlds of ideas, politics, and policy, translating academic research and knowledge and making it both accessible and understandable. The impactful work produced by IFI has enabled various institutions (e.g. governmental, non-governmental, and international), the public, and society to better understand politics and policymaking processes; make data-driven informed decisions on a myriad of socio-economic and political issues; and understand the alternative (or “other”) viewpoints on these issues and serve as a platform for debate and engagement.
IFI recognizes its potential to act as a strong think tank given its geographical location and presence in one of the most prominent academic institutions in the region. It has access to a vast pool of scholars, professionals, departments, centers, and research generating groups therefore allowing the Institute to swiftly navigate, coordinate, and lead on novel projects and dialogues that impact and inform public policy.
IFI continuously seeks to spearhead and partake in projects and initiatives that are multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary in focus.
Its three interconnected clusters of focus are the following:
1. Sustainability and Inclusive Development
Climate Change: environment preservation, climate conflict, water and food security
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Energy and Technology: power in Lebanon, oil and gas, renewable resources and energy
transition
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Refugees: socio-economic impacts, political dimensions, protracted displacement, laws
and policies
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Education and Youth: labor inclusion, educational reform, policymaking, youth
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Political Economy: debt recovery, economic inequality, trade, labor markets
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Urban and Rural Planning: housing, public transport, social justice
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Public Health: health systems, mental health, pandemics
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2. Policy, Politics, and Governance
Nation-state Structure: constitutional debates, state/society relations, state structure and
organization, decentralization, federalism, Ta’if and beyond
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State Reform and Public Administration: decentralization, federalization, clientelism,
corruption, e-government, judiciary and justice reform, fiscal and budgetary governance
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The Political Landscape: political forces and parties (Lebanon/regional), political cultures
(local/national)
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Electoral Processes and Debates: laws and systems, voter behavior, electoral databases,
polling surveys
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Security and Politics: civil/military relations, National Defense strategy, security
apparatuses reform and democratic oversight
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3. Lebanon in the World: Regional and International Affairs
The Global System: global power equilibriums, rising and contending new powers (BRICS,
the “EAST”, Global South), humanitarian protection, gender, ethics
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Lebanon in the International Order: in the UN/UNSC, Arab League, foreign policy
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Lebanon Abroad, the Lebanese Diaspora Project: Lebanese in the world, cooperation
with American institutions
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Lebanon and its Neighbors: EuroMed, Med and East-Med, Arab Neighborhood (special
attention to the Gulf, Turkey, Iran, and involvement in the Levant
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Syria Watch: regime transformations, political economy/reconstruction, regional power
plays/influences
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The above topics within each of the clusters are not exhaustive, and priorities for policy dialogue and policy-based interventions are set according to the current and most pressing local, regional, and international developments. IFI ensures that research and dialogue generated cuts across two or more clusters, and makes essential links between each of the subtopics to offer a comprehensive and rich understanding of the subject being addressed. It also allows to draw in various experts/stakeholders to the table so as to enhance meaningful debates and develop solid, well-grounded policies in line with the current realities and context.
Internship Program
The institute offers internships for local and international students seeking first-hand experience in the fields of public policy, international affairs, and communications. Each year dozens of students have an opportunity to intern with IFI’s various tracks and gain research and administrative skills that pave the way for a successful career in their fields of interest.
Affiliate Program
Out of our commitment to expanding and deepening knowledge production and to creating a space for the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas among researchers, civil society actors, and policymakers, our Institute has established an affiliation program divided into two different categories: ‘Associate and University Fellows’ and ‘Affiliated Scholars’.
Associate Fellows constitute the intellectual network of academics, researchers, professionals, and practitioners, that gravitate around the Institute, contributing to its work, knowledge production and activities. Associate Fellows are either resident or non-resident, while maintaining full professional affiliation to their respective institutions. They are invited to be part of our network of experts, based on thematic interest and needs, in line with the Institute›s vision and development strategy, and with the final approval by the Director. Fellows are associated to the Institute on a voluntary basis, the specific conditions of which are decided between the Fellow and the Institute.
Meanwhile, University Fellows are those belonging to various the departments, faculties and units of our university. University Fellows not only contribute in expanding and enriching the Institute›s knowledge production and intellectual life, but highlight the organic link between our Institute and the American University of Beirut.
Affiliated Scholars are post-doctoral scholars or PhD candidates who are finalizing their dissertation and whose current research project is relevant to one of the institute’s research programs. The affiliation gives the scholar an institutional home at the university and the ability to access the AUB libraries, as well as other campus resources. Most importantly, this affiliation offers the scholar the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and staff from the institute and share their ongoing research for feedback and support. The duration of this affiliation may vary from a short stay up to one full academic year.