Easton is renowned for his application of systems theory to political science, and for his definition of politics as the "authoritative allocation of value" in A Framework for Political Analysis[11] and A Systems Analysis of Political Life,[12] both published in 1965.
Easton’s principal research interest is in elaborating a systems analytical approach as a central means of understanding how political systems operate. In recent years he has turned to structural constraints as a second major element underlying political systems. He has written about the influence of political structure on various aspects of political life, on the state and development of political science, and on the political socialization of children.[3]
In a reputational study of political scientists published in 1978, Easton ranked fourth among those most prominent during 1945-1960, and second most prominent among those in the period 1960-1970.[13][14] In a subsequent reputational study based on number of times an author’s publications were cited in publications of others, Easton ranked seventh among the twenty most significant political scientist contributors in the period 1970-79