Harvard Political Scientist Samuel Huntington Dies at 81

Professor Samuel P. Huntington, a renowned political scientist who gained fame for his controversial theory of international conflict, died Wednesday, according to a University press release. He was 81.

Huntington is best known for his "clash of civilizations" theory, which attributes warfare between nations to underlying religious and cultural differences. The theory caused a stir when Huntington first published it in 1993 but later gained support, particularly after the Sept. 11 attacks, which some pointed to as evidence of the cultural strife predicted by Huntington's theory.

A 58-year veteran of Harvard, Huntington held one of 21 prestigious University professorships. In his long and distinguished career, Huntington also advised then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey during his 1968 bid for the presidency, co-founded the magazine Foreign Policy, and twice served as chair of Harvard's government department.

He died in Martha's Vineyard, where there will be a private burial service. The University is planning a memorial service for sometime in the spring, according to the press release.