The Development of Huntington's Institutional Theory in Analyzing Contemporary Politics

Abstract

This article aims to (1) analyze the limitations of Samuel P. Huntington's theory of institutionalization in studying the institutionalization of political parties and (2) explore approaches to developing this theory to encompass contemporary political contexts. This study primarily utilizes documentary research, employing Huntington's institutionalization theory as an analytical framework and presenting data through descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that (1) Huntington's theory of institutionalization remains crucial for fostering political security and stability in democratic systems, emphasizing the development of four key characteristics of political parties: adaptability, complexity, autonomy, and coherence. However, the theory has limitations in explaining rapidly changing and complex contemporary political contexts, as it overlooks historical factors, cultural aspects, and the roles of political actors. (2) To enhance the theory's comprehensiveness, it is necessary to integrate concepts from new institutionalism, specifically historical institutionalism, rational choice institutionalism, and sociological institutionalism. This theoretical synthesis will increase flexibility and broaden the scope for explaining the development of political parties in complex and highly dynamic contexts, including building trust and legitimacy within political parties, thereby enabling the theory to respond to long-term political changes.