Something I have noticed

Every ideologue views themselves as the underdog. Facing a ruthless and organized opponent their movement is always teetering on the brink of destruction. Our very way of life is threatened by Christian Fundamentalism or European style Socialism.

Further, the partisan must protect the movement from dangerous appeasers, who would bend the knee for crumbs. Litmus tests are established to determine the purity of ones belief in the cause.

This can extend beyond politics to any dedicated sub culture.