Samuel P. Huntington Dies at Age 81

Political scientist Samuel P. Huntington died on December 24.

Samuel P. Huntington

Samuel P. Huntington | Jon Chase/Harvard News Office

Political scientist Samuel P. Huntington, Ph.D. ’51, the Weatherhead University Professor emeritus, died December 24, at age 81, on Martha's Vineyard. He retired from teaching in 2007, after 58 years of service at Harvard, according to the official University news release on his life and career.

Huntington was best known for his views on the importance of cultural identities and affiliations in shaping relations between and among states and nations--an argument popularly summarized by his vivid phrase, "the clash of civilizations," first spelled out in a 1993 journal article and then expanded upon in a internationally best-selling book published in 1996.

Related topics

You might also like

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

At informational town hall meetings, faculty and staff press administrators for details.

The Emmy-winning journalist was a mainstay of political coverage at NBC for two decades.

Most popular

There’s a growing movement to curb light pollution. It starts on your front porch.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

The Senior Housing Shortfall

As the ranks of the elderly swell, there are too few housing options for seniors who want to “age in place.”

Explore More From Current Issue

Two colorful octopuses swim among vibrant coral and sea life in a lively underwater scene.

New Harvard research finds octopuses go beyond sight and touch to find mates.

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.