Left-wing Violent Extremism: Identifying Precursors and Growth in New Zealand

Abstract

As attention to right-wing violent extremism intensifies, accusations of left-wing violent extremism have become more frequent. There is, however, very little evidence of this violence occurring in New Zealand today and international research suggests mobilisation to violence among left-wing extremists is currently uncommon compared to right-wing or other types of extremism, is concentrated in a limited number of comparable countries, and is rarely fatal. This article argues that left-wing violent extremism is not currently occurring in New Zealand because several politico-social factors, which give rise to extremist violence, are absent. Yet it would be a mistake to believe that New Zealand is immune from left-wing violent extremism, especially stochastic terrorism. We, therefore, suggest an ongoing appreciation of several high-level indicators of nascent political violence would enable law enforcement and other security professionals to remain aware of politico-social developments and the potential for violent extremism without overly intrusive monitoring of individuals.