The subject of domestic terrorism in the United States is arguably a study in idiosyncratic political violence.
Indigenous terrorist groups reflected the American political and social environments during historical periods
when extremists chose to engage in political violence.
In the modern era, left-wing and right-wing political violence grew from very different circumstances. Leftist
violence evolved from a uniquely American social environment that produced the civil rights, Black Power, and
New Left movements. Rightist violence grew out of a combination of historical racial and nativist animosity
combined with modern applications of religious and antigovernment ideologies.
In the early years of the new millennium, threats continued to emanate from right-wing antigovernment and
racial supremacist extremists. Potential violence from leftist extremists remained low in comparison with the
right. The September 11, 2001 attacks created a new security environment with an international dimension.
The question of terrorism originating from domestic sources inspired by international events and ideologies
became very plausible.
As a matter of policy, how closely should hate and antigovernment groups be monitored?
What restrictions should be imposed on their (hate and antigovernment groups’) activities? Why?