<P> According to Huntington's definition of political development as modernization, political decay is the opposite of the linear idea of social progress--although, within the model of modernization, social regression is not possible . Instead, political decay takes place because "modern and modernizing states can change by losing capabilities as well as by gaining them . In addition, a gain in any one capability usually involves costs in others ." The model of modernization was used to compare the political systems of different countries with social development reflecting the linear progression of political institutions . However, research into the relationship between development of political institutions and modernization has pointed to inconsistent development . In some political systems, such as certain Latin American regions, governments have been influenced by military intervention as a result of the government's inability to cope with the strains of modernization . </P> <P> Under the framework of political development as institutional development, political decay occurs when institutions fail to change or adapt when they become unnecessary due to social or economic changes . Dan Halvorson challenges the idea of political decay as an institutional failure by claiming that the idea of political decay is tied to a Western ideal of political institution without taking into account widely - varying cultural institutions and the inability of post-colonial states to adapt to Western ideals . Fukuyama refers to political decay as the social and economic forces that upset the equilibrium of established political order . Institutions of the Roman Empire government failed to meet the moral and economic needs of the citizens, resulting in the conditions that would facilitate political decay and the fall of the Roman state . Under the institutional model, political decay can be observed as a decrease in competence and credibility and establishment of institutional corruption over a period of time . </P> <P> Different social and economic factors contribute to both the political development as well as the political decay of nations . Outside forces such as foreign governments affect the stability of established governments due to contrasting social institutions or economic interests . In order to be considered stable, government procedures and institutions must maintain autonomy and be resistant to outside agents . The social and economic forces that established political stability could change or disappear, leading to internal instability . Economic development, such as shifts from agriculture - based economy to manufacturing - based economy, as well as economic collapse, can also lead to political instability . Social developments, such as the proliferation of literacy, lead to the rise and spread of new ideas . </P> <P> Political instability occurs when one faction in a state's government is in opposition with another faction or with another institution in government . Sri Lanka saw a period of political instability following elections in 1994 caused by the ambitions of political leaders . The elected President Kumaratunga attempted to change the constitution and dissolve the parliament in order to remain in power, leading to sudden changes in the structure of the law - making body . Political instability occurred during the late 18th century in France and other parts of Europe during the 19th century . Political development in France, such as the development of the bureaucracy and other institutions, led to a greater demand for meritocracy and greater political conflict among the ruling class . In some cases, political breakdown can occur within the framework of a state's constitution . India has provisions its constitution which grant leaders the power to breach or oppose the constitution in cases of emergency . These breaches of the state law from within the political system can lead to political decay . </P>

Who has given the concept of political decay