Are the left-wing more dangerous than the right-wing?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided overwhelmingly contradict the claim that the left-wing is more dangerous than the right-wing. Most sources agree that right-wing extremist violence is more frequent and deadly than left-wing violence ^[1]. According to these sources, data shows that right-wing attacks account for the vast majority of fatalities from domestic terrorism ^[1]. Additionally, a study by the Anti-Defamation League cited in one of the sources found that since 2002, right-wing ideologies have fueled more than 70% of all extremist attacks and domestic terrorism plots in the United States ^[2]. Another source highlights a 320% rise in attacks conducted by individuals affiliated with 'right-wing terrorism' between 2014 to 2018, further emphasizing the growing concern of far-right terrorism ^[3]. Only one source provides a comparison of political violence by left-wing, right-wing, and Islamist extremists, finding that radical acts perpetrated by individuals associated with left-wing causes are less likely to be violent ^[4]. Overall, the analyses suggest that the right-wing poses a greater threat in terms of domestic terrorism and extremist violence ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide context to the claim but do not directly support or contradict it, such as polling data showing that most Americans say violence to achieve political goals is never justified ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints are largely absent from the analyses, with most sources presenting a similar narrative that right-wing extremism is a more significant threat ^{[1] [2] [3]}. However, one source provides information on left-wing extremist goals, structures, and ideologies, but does not provide a direct comparison to right-wing extremism ^[6]. A more comprehensive understanding of the issue would require considering the complexities and nuances of both left-wing and right-wing extremism ^{[4] [7]}. Furthermore, the sources do not provide a detailed analysis of the historical context and the evolution of extremist movements, which could offer valuable insights into the current state of political violence ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement "Are the left-wing more dangerous than the right-wing?" may be misleading or biased, as it implies a false equivalence between the two ideologies ^[1]. The overwhelming majority of the analyses suggest that right-wing extremism is a more significant threat, which contradicts the implication of the original statement ^{[1] [2] [3]}. This framing may benefit those who seek to downplay the threat of right-wing extremism or shift attention away from it ^[1]. On the other hand, it may also be argued that the statement is an attempt to spark a nuanced discussion about the complexities of political violence, in which case it would be beneficial for those seeking to understand the issue in a more balanced manner ^{[4] [7]}. However, without more context, it is difficult to determine the intent behind the original statement ^[5].