What are the motifs in The Possessed by Fyodor Dostoevsky?

Radical politics is a recurring idea. This novel is, among other things, a sustained satire of many of the prevalent political views of the time. We see Fourierists, Nihilists, Atheists, and Socialists, among others. The author is trying to satirize these views by making them appear silly and dangerous. He associates these views with the lowest and most base characters in the novel making the reader think that these views could only attract degenerates because they are based on despicable ideas. It is clear that Peter's socialism flows, at least in part, from his desire to rule over others. It is also clear that many of the youth of the fete are disdainful of the higher classes out of envy and hatred. The radical political views of the group then seem to be convenient principles that can be used to justify extreme actions. Furthermore, the more moderate, liberal views of Stepan and Julia are lampooned as incoherent and merely fronts for more radical views.