The Centre for Lebanese Studies (CLS) was born from the turmoil of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), which triggered significant Lebanese migration to the UK. The Lebanese community in London, driven by the escalating violence and political instability in Lebanon, especially during the early 1980s, felt a pressing need to act. This culminated in the establishment of CLS in 1984, spearheaded by a diverse group of Lebanese expatriates including prominent figures like Albert Hourani, Marwan Buheiry and George Asseily. Their mission was to support Lebanon through research, education, and cultural preservation.
Initially, the Centre’s focus was on education and research. The British Lebanese Association (BLA) was one of their first initiatives, promoting cultural exchange and offering scholarships. The CLS sought to foster understanding and reconciliation in Lebanon through various activities, including organising seminars and publishing scholarly works. This nonpartisan approach aimed to present an objective and comprehensive view of Lebanon’s history and current affairs.
The Centre quickly established itself as a significant academic hub. It held numerous conferences and workshops worldwide, often in collaboration with prestigious institutions. Noteworthy events included seminars at Tufts University and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The CLS also launched a successful publication program, producing a series of influential books and papers that addressed Lebanon’s complex socio-political landscape.
In 1986, CLS moved its headquarters to Oxford, forging a strong partnership with the Middle East Centre at Saint Anthony’s College. This affiliation, largely influenced by notable historian Albert Hourani, significantly bolstered the Centre’s academic credibility and reach. The CLS organised impactful conferences and cultivated a strong network of scholars, enhancing its role as a premier research institution dedicated to Lebanese studies.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the CLS organised numerous high-profile conferences, addressing critical issues such as peacebuilding, state reconstruction, and regional security. The Centre played a crucial role in preserving Lebanese archival materials, making them accessible for academic research. Its archives included valuable documents from major international repositories, covering Lebanon’s history from Ottoman rule to the post-independence era.
Despite its academic successes, the CLS faced financial challenges and debates over its mission. Some members advocated for a shift towards more policy-oriented work, particularly in the post-war reconstruction phase. However, the Centre maintained its academic focus, ensuring a lasting contribution to scholarly discourse on Lebanon. By the early 2000s, financial strains led to the closure of its Oxford office and a reduction in activities, though it continued to support fellowships and annual conferences.
In 2012, the CLS relocated its headquarters to Beirut, marking a new chapter focused on direct engagement with Lebanese society. Under the leadership of Dr. Maha Shuayb, the Centre adopted a bottom-up approach, collaborating with local educators, policymakers, and communities. This move aligned with the Centre’s mission to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions, particularly in the realm of education and social cohesion.
The CLS’s work in Beirut has been instrumental in addressing educational inequalities and responding to the Syrian refugee crisis. The Centre has conducted extensive research on refugee education and collaborated with the Lebanese Ministry of Education on curriculum reforms. In 2018, the CLS achieved formal registration as a Lebanese organisation and secured significant grants, further enhancing its capacity to influence educational and social policies in Lebanon. Since 2020 CLS became affiliated with the History Department and the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge, a step that helped connect the Center to global debates. Since 2021, the Director was appointed as the British Academy bilateral chair of education in crisis at University of Cambridge and CLS.
The CLS has left an indelible mark on Lebanese studies and continues to shape scholarly and policy discourse. Its publications and research outputs are widely referenced, and the Centre remains a critical player in advocating for educational and social reforms. As it enters a new era, the CLS is poised to expand its research agenda, addressing broader societal issues such as disability rights, migration, and social movements, thereby continuing its legacy of fostering knowledge and driving positive change in Lebanon.
Read the full history here
