Samuel P. Huntington Dies at Age 81

Political scientist Samuel P. Huntington died on December 24.

Samuel P. Huntington

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

At A.R.T., the Musical “Wonder” Explores Bullying and Friendship

Auggie Pullman’s story comes to life through an inventive space metaphor 

Trump Administration Appeals Order Restoring $2.7 Billion in Funding to Harvard

The appeal, which had been expected, came two days before the deadline to file.

At Harvard, AI Meets “Post-Neoliberalism”

Experts debate whether markets alone should govern tech in the U.S.

Most popular

U.S. Appeals Court Preserves NIH Research Funding

The court made permanent an injunction preventing caps on reimbursement for overhead costs.

Sign of the Times: Harvard Quarterback Jaden Craig Will Play for TCU

Out of eligibility for the Crimson, the star entered the transfer portal.  

Seth Moulton, Harvard graduate and former Marine, is profiled

A profile of former Marine Seth Moulton ’01, M.B.A.-M.P.P. ’11

Explore More From Current Issue

A girl sits at a desk, flanked by colorful, stylized figures, evoking a whimsical, surreal atmosphere.

The Trouble with Sidechat

No one feels responsible for what happens on Harvard’s anonymous social media app.

Four men in a small boat struggle with rough water, one lying down and others watching.

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

Lawrence H. Summers, looking serious while speaking at a podium with a microphone.

Harvard in the News

Grade inflation, Epstein files fallout, University database breach