Question 1

One of the central premises of Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth was that oppressed people should ______.

Accepted Answer

Frantz Fanon argued that oppressed people should engage in revolutionary violence as a means of casting away their sense of inferiority and asserting their inherent humanity. He believed that the process of decolonization required a complete overturning of the existing power structures and the creation of a new social order based on indigenous cultures and values.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best summarizes a central tenet of revolutionary anarchism?

Accepted Answer

Revolutionary anarchism often emphasizes direct action and the use of violence as a means to instigate change, encapsulated in the concept of "propaganda by the deed." This approach contrasts with other political ideologies that may prioritize the establishment of a party or leader, or the pursuit of democratic reforms through non-violent means.

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes terrorist environments created by the fringe right?

Accepted Answer

While the fringe right has been responsible for acts of terrorism, these environments are rarely sustained; there may be outbreaks of paramilitary violence in some cases, but they are not as widespread or consistent as those created by the fringe left.

Question 4

Which of the following statements best summarizes a central tenet of fascism?

Accepted Answer

Fascism emphasizes the need for a disciplined political party, a charismatic leader, glorification of the military, and an organized elite. This includes the belief in the supremacy of the nation or race, the rejection of democracy and individualism, and the use of violence and propaganda to achieve these goals. Options A and B are not consistent with fascist ideology, while option C is partially correct but focuses only on the importance of a revolutionary party without mentioning other key elements of fascism.

Question 5

The ideology of the extreme right wing is often characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The extreme right wing ideology is characterized by belief systems that promote racial and national superiority over non-members of the group. This can include beliefs in white supremacy, anti-immigrant sentiments, and nationalism. The other options, A, B, and D, are not typical characteristics of extreme right wing ideology.

Question 6

Marxists traditionally believe that the demise of capitalism ______.

Accepted Answer

Marxists believe in historical materialism and the dialectical process in which contradictions within the system lead to its downfall. Therefore, the demise of capitalism is historically inevitable according to Marxist theory.

Question 7

The New Left was a movement largely made up of ______.

Accepted Answer

The New Left was a political and social movement that emerged in the 1960s and sought to challenge traditional liberal and conservative ideologies with a focus on issues such as civil rights, anti-war activism, and environmentalism. While there were certainly individuals within the movement who advocated for far-left or radical positions, such as communist or anarchist ideologies, the movement as a whole cannot be characterized as being largely made up of such individuals. Similarly, while there may have been individuals who sympathized with fascist or ethnonationalist viewpoints, these individuals were not representative of the broader New Left movement. Thus, the best answer is D, none of these.

Question 8

Which of the following statements best describes the political environment created by the Red Brigade?

Accepted Answer

The Red Brigade was a left-wing extremist group in Italy that carried out a series of bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations in the 1970s. This led to a period of widespread urban terrorism known as the "Years of Lead," characterized by political violence and social unrest.

Question 9

Prior to the end of the Cold War, left-wing terrorism ______.

Accepted Answer

Left-wing terrorism occurred frequently in Western democracies prior to the end of the Cold War, such as the actions of groups like the Red Brigades in Italy and the Baader-Meinhof Gang in Germany.

Question 10

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the general profile of Latin American left-wing terrorism in the latter quarter of the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

The general profile of Latin American left-wing terrorism in the latter quarter of the 20th century was mostly young urban revolutionaries, with several examples of guerrilla movements. While there were instances of roving bands of guerrillas in remote areas, and some urban terrorism, the dominant trend was urban-based left-wing activism. While some groups had international connections and sympathies, they did not primarily operate as international terrorists cooperating with other movements.

Question 11

The classical ideological continuum represents which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The classical ideological continuum represents the political spectrum from the fringe left to the fringe right, with different political ideologies located at different points on this continuum. It is a way to classify political beliefs and movements, and helps to understand the different political stances of individuals and groups. It is not related to religious extremism, radical nationalism, or national leaders, so options A, B and D are incorrect.

Question 12

Which of the following statements best summarizes a central tenet of revolutionary Marxism?

Accepted Answer

Revolutionary Marxism holds that a revolutionary party is necessary to lead the people and create a revolutionary environment, with the ultimate goal being the establishment of a socialist society. This is known as the "vanguard party" theory, where a select group of committed revolutionaries lead the proletariat in the revolutionary struggle. Option A is more closely associated with anarchism than Marxism. Option B is a more moderate view that is not exclusively associated with Marxism. Option D is not a tenet of revolutionary Marxism, but rather a description of fascist ideology.

Question 13

The ideology of the extreme left wing is often characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Exhortations for working-class revolution are a defining characteristic of extreme left-wing ideology. The extreme left sees the current social and economic order as fundamentally unjust and seeks to overthrow it through a revolution of the working class. This ideology is often associated with socialism and communism. Choices A, C, and D are not associated with extreme left-wing ideology.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes right-wing extremism?

Accepted Answer

Right-wing extremism is characterized by a belief in the superiority of one's own group, as well as a reaction to perceived threats to that group's values or sense of specialness.

Answer: B 
 Right-wing extremism is typically focused on "reforming" or destroying existing systems, as opposed to incremental change within the existing system.

Answer: D 
 None of the options provided accurately describes right-wing extremism. It is a complex ideological phenomenon that can take many forms and defy simple categorization.

Question 15

Terrorist activity conducted by the fringe right wing is often characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Right-wing terrorist activity is often characterized by apparently indiscriminate violence, which can result in civilian casualties. This approach is sometimes used to instill fear or to make a political statement.

Question 16

Terrorist activity conducted by the fringe left wing is often characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Left wing terrorist activities are often characterized by relatively "surgical" attacks against defined targets that result in relatively few civilian casualties. The use of asymmetrical warfare tactics such as suicide bombings and the use of high-yield weapons and weapons of mass destruction are more commonly associated with extremist groups on the far right.

Question 17

Which of the following statements best describes the political environment created by the Shining Path?

Accepted Answer

The Shining Path was responsible for widespread mass-casualty insurgency and terrorism in Peru, which eventually led to a government amnesty after their leader was captured and renounced violence. This created an environment of widespread unrest. Option A is incorrect because the "Years of Lead" were associated with a different political movement in a different country. Option B is incorrect because while the Shining Path was inspired by Marxist theories, it did not follow Ernesto "Che" Guevara's theory of foquismo. Option D is incorrect because while the Shining Path did commit acts of terrorism, it primarily operated as a guerrilla insurgency in rural areas.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes left-wing extremism?

Accepted Answer

Left-wing extremism is future oriented and seeks to reform or destroy an existing system prior to building a new society. This involves radical political and social change through the redistribution of wealth and resources, and the establishment of social equality and justice. It is not nostalgic for a past system or reactionary in nature.

Question 19

Which of the following statements best describes the content of Carlos Marighella's Mini-Manual?

Accepted Answer

Carlos Marighella's Mini-Manual was a guidebook for carrying out urban guerrilla warfare and advocating for the violent overthrow of the government.

Question 20

Left-wing terrorism in Europe during the latter quarter of the 20th century was characterized by political violence ______.

Accepted Answer

Left-wing terrorism in Europe during the latter quarter of the 20th century was carried out largely by young anti-capitalist and anti-NATO extremists, who were motivated by political ideologies such as communism and anarchism. There was no significant involvement of Islamist radicals or weapons of mass destruction.

Quiz 7: Violent Ideologies: Terrorism From the Left and Right