Right-Wing Terrorists And Extraparliamentary Left In Post-World War 2 Europe: Collusion Or Manipulation?.pdf

# Right-wing Terrorists and the Extraparliamentary Left in Post-World War 2 Europe: Collusion or Manipulation?

## Background and Key Issues

The essay explores the under-researched phenomenon of right-wing terrorism, particularly its connections with the extra-parliamentary left in post-World War II Europe. The author, Jeffrey M. Bale, addresses the lack of scholarly work on this topic and the influence of biased, sensationalized media narratives that often frame 'international terrorism' as a left-wing, Soviet-driven phenomenon.

### Key Points:

1. Neglect and Misinformation: There is a dearth of serious academic study on post-1945 right-wing extremism, leading to misconceptions about its threat. Media coverage often distorts the reality of transnational right-wing terrorism by linking it primarily to left-wing subversion.

2. The 1980 Bombings: A series of high-profile bombings in 1980 (Bologna train station, Oktoberfest in Munich, and a Paris synagogue) temporarily brought attention to neo-fascist and neo-Nazi networks in Europe. However, official concern quickly faded, and media interest waned.

3. Harmon's Thesis: Christopher Harmon suggests that these bombings indicated collusion between right-wing ('black') and left-wing ('red') extremists, possibly manipulated by the KGB. While his theory is speculative, it highlights shared interests and actions between certain groups.

4. Right-Left Collusion: Bale agrees that common attitudes and interests could facilitate operational collaboration between rightists and leftists. However, he cautions against oversimplifying this relationship based on limited historical context.

5. Historical Context: The author provides a brief overview of right-wing terrorist activities from the 1960s to the 1970s, suggesting that patterns of interaction with the extra-parliamentary left during this period are crucial for understanding contemporary dynamics.

### Thesis:

The essay aims to examine Harmon's assumptions critically, considering whether recent neo-fascist overtures to the violent left signify genuine efforts to challenge the state or merely tactical alliances based on shared grievances and oppositional ideologies. It emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of right-wing terrorism and its complex interactions with other radical groups.