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RADICALISM AND THE LIBERATION MOVEMENTS
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One of the striking features of the struggle for independence
from foreign domination is the pressure of multifarious groups working towards the same end.  Several observers have tried to interpret
this feature in terns that correspond with their cultural backgrounds
and intellectual outlooks.  Thus we often hear in western circles such
designations as pro-.Jest and pro-Coni-unist or moderate and leftist.
On the other hand, some writers in the East refer to these divergencies
simply by calling one revolutionary, and the other reactionary, or
other well-known terms.
Given this framework of reference, we will attempt to make use
of the terns without however connoting the notions of "left", associated _with radicalise, nor that of the "right" attached to conservatism.
For in strugglln'g'territories, conservatisn projects two shades which
makes difficult placing it on the right or on the left of the balance-.'" '
Conservatism is understood as the tendency to resist changes and
innovations.  But when we start with a society whose mores and social
institutions have been long destroyed by the colonialists, conservatism
might mean then the acceptance of the changes which have occured and
also the new social order.  Here conservatism is commonly known as
moderation. Mass movements have many times this tinge, for the masses
are reluctant to abandon the empirical world for ideological one and
do so only when the ideas have become part of their experiences.
But if we start with a society whose institutions and customs
have been preserved, then conservatism would mean something differert.
It would mean the elimination of foreign penetration of both political
and social ideas and the revival of indiginous culture, thus rendering
the society less permeable. And conservatism becomes a static system,
almost reactionary, as it shows no faith in any better system of life.
Radicalism, on the other hand, implies total rejection of the
established order (political, economic, or social) and the adoption
of "unexperienced" ideas, with confidence that they will bring about
freedom and progress.  It involves great solidarity among its members
and less acconnodation to the prevailing institutionalized ideologies.
Furthermore, radicalism is admiration for ideas promising a brighter
future, though it may require privations and pains in the present.
Moreover, radicalism involves a certain degree of flexibility, a fluid
soul.that can adjust to any order without necessarily destroying
itself, and an intense rigid volition to implement the appraised ideals.
In order to have a clear perspective of the goals, the radicals sublimate or reinterpret the traditional values of society, thus giving then
a new significance.  Here, then, radicalism coincides with intellectu-
alism.
The important point here is to see why radicalism does emerge and
operate in independence movements.
In- countries where thef'imperial powers did not totally disrupt
the socio-political institutions, and where they managed to create