The Politics of Left-Wing Violence in Italy, 1969–85

This is the first detailed account of the nature and parabola of the left-wing political violence that began in Italy in the late 1960s. It covers not only the patterns of recruitment, organization and activity among armed groups, but also the responses elicited from opponents in various contexts. The argument makes the attempts by all participants to supply plausible meanings for violence, a central element in explaining its evolution and consequences. In addition to providing a study of the Italian case, therefore, the book also seeks to extend the analytical scope required for the examination of "terrorism".