Development and
Cooperation

Digital monthly 4/2025

The power of humour

Cartoons

“Challenge the history that our new-age pharaohs will try to write”

Khalid Albaih is a political cartoonist from Sudan. In our interview, he talks about why he called himself an internet artist, how algorithms censor, why cartoons are important contemporary documents – and why they really don’t have to be funny.

Non-violent protest

Laughing in the face of oppression: How humour can defy autocracy

Humour can be a powerful and non-violent tactic for protesting against authoritarian regimes. It has been used effectively in countries from Serbia to Thailand.

Female comedians

Why female comedy in India is not just about laughs

In India, women comedians challenge social norms, the patriarchy and also their own perception of the world. They push the boundaries of what is considered humour, but they don’t just want people to laugh – they want people to listen.

More Articles

Our view

Political humour serves both freedom and extremism

Around the world, satirists draw, write and film for freedom, often under repressive conditions. But not every political joke promotes democratic values: Extremist forces use humour for their ends, too.

Satire and journalism

“Criticism of what rules, coated in candy”

True and apparent seriousness separate journalism and satire. The task of the latter is to question the conclusions of the former, explains Tim Wolff, publisher of satire magazine Titanic. He predicts: Both are facing an uphill battle.