Prior to the end of the Cold War, left-wing terrorism occurred frequently in which type of governments?

Prior to the end of the Cold War, left-wing terrorism was most commonly associated with Western democracies due to the ideological conflicts that arose from the socio-political climate of the time. In these societies, groups that adopted leftist ideologies often targeted governments and institutions that they perceived as emblematic of imperialism, capitalism, or oppressive structures. These groups sought to challenge and overthrow existing systems to promote their vision of a more equitable society.

The prevalent civil liberties and political freedoms in Western democracies allowed for more visible and organized forms of dissent, making them a fertile ground for left-wing movements to emerge. Moreover, during the Cold War, these movements often found inspiration or support from larger communist bloc nations, which further fueled their activities.

While left-wing terrorism did manifest in other forms across various government types, Western democracies were particularly affected by the intense ideological battles that characterized the era, making them a significant focus for such groups.