Exploring the Ideologies of Left and Right Wing Extremism

This discussion post examines the core differences between left and right wing extremism. It differentiates between the ideologies of left and right wing extremism, highlighting the contrasting viewpoints on societal issues, governmental approaches, and individual rights. The post explains how left-wing extremism often prioritizes improvements in the standards of living for the general public, focusing on issues like minority rights and reducing economic inequality, while right-wing extremism emphasizes individual freedom and property rights. The author also references academic sources like Golder (2016) and Van Prooijen, Krouwel & Pollet (2015) to support the arguments and concludes with a preference for a liberal approach in the postmodern context while acknowledging the need for conservative approaches to preserve cultural values.

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Cybercrime and Homeland Security Discussion
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Difference between left and right wing extremism
Left wing is liberal and straightforward in their approach. On the contrary, the
characteristics of the right wing extremists are conservative, with focus on the traditional
values and culture. If the aspect of terrorism is considered, right wing extremism incorporated
far right ideologies and beliefs, which revolve around anti-communism, neo-fascism, racism,
xenophobia, which are opposed to immigration (Golder, 2016). This contradicts their aim of
preserving the culture. According to the media coverage, radical approach towards violence is
accepted in case of the left wing extremists, as their intention is good.
The difference also lies in the willingness to tolerate the injustices inflicted by the
miscreants. This is the case with the left wing extremists, whereas the right wing extremists
lack the support in terms of dealing with the external challenges.
If the aspect of intuitive observation is applied, movements by the left and right wing
reveals their style of engaging with the political activities. In this context, Van Prooijen,
Krouwel and Pollet, (2015) is of the view that the criteria for judgment lies in the
implementation of ideals, practices or violation of the civil liberties. It is also the rights of the
individuals and the governments, which demarcates the difference between the right and the
left wing extremists. According to the perceptions of the left wing, governmental approach
plays an important role in improvising on the standards and quality of the people. On the
other hand, the right wing extremists are of the view that individual rights are effective in
terms of enhancing the standards of living for the public domain.
Mention can be made of the economic policies, where income inequality persists in
case of the left wing. On the contrary low levels of tax obligations is assistance for the right
wing extremists in terms of enhancing the efficiency in the business operations. On the other
hand, Golder, (2016) states that core beliefs of left wing extremism relates with the issues

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catering to the upgradation of the standards of living for the general public. Typical examples
of this are rights for the minority groups, reducing economic inequality, environmental
protection, and expansion in the educational opportunities. The core beliefs of the right wing
extremists focus on individual freedom and property rights. Reference can be cited of the
radicals, who opposed the monarchical rule and favoured changes in the governmental
approach. Conservatives favoured limited monarchical rules, intending fewer changes from
the government.
Taking cue from these terms, it can be said that left and right wing extremism is the
confrontation of the liberal and the conservatives in the modern society. This can also be
applied to the modern day society, which is a conglomeration of the conservatives, radicals
and extremists possessing different viewpoints regarding the societal issues (Van Prooijen,
Krouwel & Pollet, 2015). This issues enhances the cultural diversity of the society. I think
liberal approach is more preferred in the postmodern context for accomplishing the identified
and the specified goals. Countering this, conservative approach is also needed in terms of
preserving the cultural values and beliefs.

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References
Golder, M. (2016). Far right parties in Europe. Annual Review of Political Science, 19, 477-
497.
Van Prooijen, J. W., Krouwel, A. P., & Pollet, T. V. (2015). Political extremism predicts
belief in conspiracy theories. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6(5),
570-578.