While the self-righteousness and contempt for authority common among unreconstructed hippies were evident in many of the interviews Ms. Williams gave following the award's announcement, the truly radical nature of her views really came through when she was challenged on some particulars.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An aging flower child's crusade

It stormed into parliament at the election after harnessing the contempt felt for the political establishment by many Italians who regard the traditional parties as corrupt and self-serving.

BBC: Napolitano aims to break Italy's political deadlock