Throughout history, poverty, class and economic self-interest have driven radical political movements. The Bolsheviks harnessed the anger of impoverished workers and peasants to create a movement that controlled the world’s biggest country for seven decades. The Nazis came to power due to both the Great Depression and resentment towards a small but economically nimble Jewish community.
Today, extremist politics is not bubbling up primarily from the economically disaffected, as occurred both in medieval and modern times during periods of upheaval. The self-professed radicals of our age seem more driven by their own inner cultural angst and disturbed psychology.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
PA Gov. Shapiro Signs Order Requiring Stricter Data Center Regulation
August 25th, 2026
Headline Roundup
Trump Moves to Cut Beef Prices With Import Tariff Waiver
August 22nd, 2026
Recommended Reading
When AOC Takes a Step Back—and Possibly Forward
Dan Schnur
August 24th, 2026
Recommended Reading
When Establishment Democrats Dodge a BulletÂ
Dan Schnur
August 17th, 2026