A spectrum means a scope, formed to grade the subtle variations of subjects, differing within a cont...

1. What is Political Spectrum
A spectrum means a scope, formed to grade the subtle variations of subjects, differing within a
continuum. Thus a political spectrum means a model wherein the varied political systems are placed
on an axis on the basis on their ideologies. A political spectrum shows the divisions between the
political dimensions and how they evolved. The fundamental ideas on this spectrum are the 'left
wing' and the 'right wing'. As the world developed and its leaders emerged, different ideologies were
formed. This development led to the 'left-right', 'libertarian' and 'authoritarian' political styles. The
dividing factor of left and right wing politics came about as the French supported the republics and
the monarchies, respectively. These are the cornerstones of the political spectrum. The other
political values that we see, are offshoots of these thoughts.
The Left Wing
The Left Wing politics is also addressed as political left, leftist or the Left. The Left Wing politics was
a term coined during the French Revolution as the deputies of Third Estate sat to the left of the
President's chair. On the political spectrum the Left ranges from center-left and far left. The term
center-left remains closer to the political mainstream, while the far left is more radical in nature.
The center left are the social democrats, progressives, democratic socialists and green or eco-
socialists. The center left policies are based on market allocation of resources and believe in less
government intervention. Individualism is also favored by the thought to deal with moral ideas.
The far left of this political wing is referred many times as the radical left. The ideologies such as
communism, Maoism, Autonomism and Collectivist anarchism. Contrary to center-lefts, these groups
believe in common ownership, egalitarianism and eco-terrorism. Identity politics is an interesting
facet of far left wing. Often these left-extremists take to arms to bring about a change in the
established political process.
The economic beliefs of leftists differ from one group to the other. Some believe in Keynesian
macroeconomic theory, some in industrial democracy, rest in social market and a few in
nationalization and central planning. There are a few parties which advocate Marxism too.
The Right Wing
Referred to as right wing, political right, rightist and the Right, this theory of politics is founded to
safeguard the traditional and cultural values. However, Rightists always maintain the social
hierarchy. The origin of this term stems from the French Revolution as the 'right wing' was referred
to those who sat in the right of the President's chair. The rightists supported 'monarchy',
'aristocracy' and 'established church'. Later the term was used to describe those political groups
that share a connection with historical aristocrats, conservatives, reactionaries, monarchists, and
nationalists. Today the political ideas that support free markets and capitalism are categorized as
the Right Wing.
Similar to the Left Wing, the Right Wing too ranges from far right and the center-right. In the olden
days the center right supported the Constitutional Monarchists, Orleanists, and Bonapartists. The

2. modern-day definition of center-right has come a long way encompassing liberal democracy,
capitalism, market economy, private property rights, and welfare states. The far right of the Right
Wing has many connotations to it. Far right is often category of nationalists, religious extremists,
reactionary groups, fascists, and Nazism. Many times termed as the 'hate group' this political
ideology targets the ethnic minorities and follows the doctrine of racial discrimination.
Since its inception the Right Wing has inclined towards preserving religion than building economies.
Contemporary rightists do promote capitalism. Right Wing libertarians support economic freedom,
free markets, private property rights, and free trade. Support to the religion has been an integral
characteristic of Right Wing politics.
Left-Right Wing
The Left-Right Wing is a term used to explain the Left Wing and Right Wing political ideologies that
run along the same dimension of the political spectrum. The Left Wing and Right Wing are polar
opposites of each other. The classification of political ideas run along one place defining Left Wing
as social liberals, social democrats, socialists, communists, and anarchists. The Right Wing under
this, take the stance of conservatives, reactionaries, monarchists, religious fundamentalists and
nationalists. The take on capitalism as per this dimension changes from country to country. Debate
of current times in reference to Left-Right Wing is to what extent is the government involved in
evolution of civilizations. The Left is accusing the Right of supporting the upper class and the Right
preaching to Left against its over emphasis to the working class. Interestingly, both the political
policies believe in freedom and equality. However, the Right advises working towards economic
http://www.golf.com/ freedom to get to the goal, and the Left believes in intellectual evolution to
attain the freedom. Although both the political philosophies have the same motive they work
together with conflicting thoughts.
Syncretic Politics
Syncretic politics attempts to reconcile the conflicts between Left search engines and Right Wing of
politics. A total reverse of Left and Right, this political ideology finds its origin in the syncretic
religion. The popular syncretic movements are 'Producerism' and 'Fascism'. Amongst the lesser
known syncretic parties are 'People's Mujahedin of Iran', which blended Marxism and Islamism,
'Minaret of Freedom Movement which combined Islamism and Libertarianism and Russian 'National
Bolshevik Party' which developed as a union of Leninist and Fascist aesthetics.
The famous quote goes 'If you are 18 and not a socialists then you haven't got a heart. And if you are
50 and not a capitalist you haven't got the brains!' throws light on the fact that ideas have to change
as demographics change.
The violence depicted in the human history is a testament to the suffocating civilizations. Fanaticism
has no tolerance. Every political idea, every political system, and every political value finds its place
in the spectrum. If they all belong on the same axis, then why do they conflict with one another?
Evolution is the purpose of survival; and by that virtue, of political spectrum too.