Since 1946 the Middle East Institute has been an important conduit of information between Middle Eastern nations and American policymakers, organizations and the public. We strive to increase knowledge of the Middle East among our own citizens and to promote understanding between the peoples of the Middle East and America. Today we play a vital and unique role in expanding the dialogue beyond Washington, DC, and actively with organizations in the Middle East. Our Public Policy Center and Department of Programs present programs with top regional experts and officials from the US and foreign governments. The George Camp Keiser Library has the largest English-language collection on the Middle East outside of the Library of Congress. We publish quarterly one of the most prestigious journals on the Middle East, The Middle East Journal. MEI's Department of Languages and Regional Studies offers courses in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian and Turkish and seminars highlighting the history, literature and culture of the Middle East.

History

Middle East scholar George Camp Keiser and former Secretary of State Christian Herter founded the Middle East Institute (MEI) in 1946. MEI's beginnings were marked by the creation of several programs that still exist today. The George Camp Keiser Library was established in 1946. It is home to the most comprehensive Middle East collection in Washington, DC, outside of the Library of Congress. A year later, MEI created The Middle East Journal, a highly regarded academic publication. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the organization began offering language classes in Persian, Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish. The creation of the Public Policy Center in 1999 brought together a number of scholars and experts to provide insightful commentaries on critical issues pertaining to the Middle East.

Board of Governors

MEI is managed by the Board of Governors headed by its chairman, former Ambassador and Senator, the Honorable Wyche Fowler, Jr. The Institute is managed on a day-to-day basis by its President, Ambassador Wendy J. Chamberlin. A full list of the members and officers of MEI's Board of Governors and Advisory Board is available on our Board of Governors page.

Funding

The Middle East Institute could not survive or achieve its mission without the generous support of its Corporate Members and additional donations coming from concerned individuals and foundations. Additional revenue comes from individual memberships, language classes and subscriptions to The Middle East Journal. Your support of one or more of these programs helps enhance our understanding of and communication with an area of the world that is critical to our national security. Join us now by going to the Membership and Support page of our web site.

Careers

Each year, the Middle East Institute selects students from colleges and universities across the United States and the Middle East to participate in its internship program. This program is a critical tool for developing a new generation of policy leaders committed to a rigorous, balanced and informed view of the Middle East. We help interns build a network of contacts during their stay with us to assist them in finding a career in the field and we stay in touch as their careers develop. Apply online at our Leadership Development page.

Press Room

MEI's senior staff and scholars are available for speaking and media opportunities around the country and the world in support of MEI's mission to counter half-truths, propaganda and stereotypes. Timely analysis of key issues in the region by MEI scholars and senior staff provide diverse viewpoints on the topics. Access Press Room for more information about MEI's media resources, press releases and media advisories, press kit, and press registration.