The power of humour
D+C: Development and Cooperation, issue 4 (2025), pp. 28-54
Other editions: also published in German
"All over the world, satirists courageously stand up for democratic values, often under extremely difficult conditions. Through their art, they create spaces for freedom and challenge authorities. On the other hand, extremists use humour for their political purposes too: They ridicule those who dissent and make fun of democratic values. It is not helpful that political debates are increasingly taking place in digital spaces that lack transparency and fair rules." (Publisher description)
Political humour can be used to defend democratic values – but also to promote extremism / Jörg Döbereiner, 29
“Through my works, I try to create a sense of solidarity”: Interview with Khalid Albaih [political cartoonist from Sudan], 30
In India, female comedians challenge traditional norms / Ipsita Sapra, 35
Witty content, tragic background: memes in Kenya / Alba Nakuwa, 38
How successful humorous protest works / Sophia A. McClennen and Srdja Popovic, 40
“The most fundamental role of an artist, even the least political one, is to think freely”: Interview with Mana Neyestani [Iranian cartoonist], 43
From 1980s TV shows to social media: political humour in the Philippines / Angelo R. Lacuesta, 46
“Nowadays, many people think that satire is better than traditional journalism”: Interview with Tim Wolff [publisher of the German satirical magazine Titanic], 49
How the far right uses humour for its purposes / Mirco Göpfert and Konstanze N’Guessan, 51
“Through my works, I try to create a sense of solidarity”: Interview with Khalid Albaih [political cartoonist from Sudan], 30
In India, female comedians challenge traditional norms / Ipsita Sapra, 35
Witty content, tragic background: memes in Kenya / Alba Nakuwa, 38
How successful humorous protest works / Sophia A. McClennen and Srdja Popovic, 40
“The most fundamental role of an artist, even the least political one, is to think freely”: Interview with Mana Neyestani [Iranian cartoonist], 43
From 1980s TV shows to social media: political humour in the Philippines / Angelo R. Lacuesta, 46
“Nowadays, many people think that satire is better than traditional journalism”: Interview with Tim Wolff [publisher of the German satirical magazine Titanic], 49
How the far right uses humour for its purposes / Mirco Göpfert and Konstanze N’Guessan, 51
