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

Radcliffe Institute Announces 2026-2027 Fellows

Scholars will tap Harvard’s intellectual resources during the coming academic year.

Harvard Releases Database of 1,613 People Enslaved by University Affiliates

Research continues to track down living descendants.

Faculty Set to Vote on Grade Inflation Proposal

Results of the email ballot will be announced on May 20.

Most popular

Harvard Discloses Top Earners’ Compensation

The University files its annual report for tax-exempt organizations.

Social Media Use and Adult Depression

A survey reveals suprising links between social media use and depression in adults.

Harvard Holds a Symposium on Antisemitism and Universities

Scholars discuss the paradoxes and challenges that Jews navigate on college campuses.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

Historical battle scene with soldiers in red and blue uniforms, flags waving, chaotic action.

The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution

Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”

Historical scene depicting a parade with soldiers and a town square in the background.

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.