Humour is a powerful and complex force in politics and public discourse. From satire to comedic journalism, humour can expose contradictions, challenge authority, and shape the way people perceive political realities. In recent years, it has played a crucial role in political campaigns, protest movements, and media debates, influencing both democratic participation and social change. NoJoke investigates how humour and comedic practices function as epistemic tools—ways of understanding, interpreting, and influencing the political present. By examining the role of humour in political discourse, the project sheds light on how artists, comedians, journalists, politicians and humorous protest movements explore and navigate political tensions, negotiate power structures, and engage with democratic institutions.
The project’s objectives are threefold:
# Understanding the Political Role of Humour – Investigating how humour and humourists intrude into politics.
# Developing a Theory of Humour as an Epistemic Practice – Exploring humour as a mode of perception, critique, and creative expression in contemporary politics.
# Innovating Academic Knowledge Production – Introducing new ways of studying the political present by integrating humour-based methodologies, including stand-up comedy, satire analysis, and performative research.
Through a combination of ethnographic research and experimental methodologies, NoJoke contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between humour, power, and political practice. The project not only advances academic debates but also informs policymakers, media professionals, and activists on the transformative potential of humour in public life.
