Humor poses a unique threat to autocrats.
Just seven months before World War II ignited, Hitler’s propaganda minister abruptly ended the careers of five comedians, denouncing them as “brazen, impertinent, arrogant and tactless” and their audiences as “parasitic scum.”
Their dismissal even made the front page of The New York Times on Feb. 4, 1939. The report detailed how the comedians had expertly, yet undeniably, parodied the mannerisms, postures, and physical traits of National Socialist leaders.
This month, American late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel faced suspension before being reinstated. I spoke with my colleague Damien Cave, who extensively covers global speech restrictions, to understand the broader context of events in the U.S. (I highly recommend reading his full report on this subject).
Damien, what does the Jimmy Kimmel incident suggest to you?
It mirrors the tactics used by leaders in countless other countries who attempt to muzzle speech. Whether it’s seizing control of newspapers, shutting down TV stations, or targeting comedians, the pattern is familiar. Over the last decade, there’s been a clear trend away from freedom of expression, occurring in staunchly authoritarian nations like Russia and China, as well as in democracies experiencing backsliding, such as Turkey and Hungary. The intensity of these crackdowns varies, but the number of countries engaging in them is increasing. What’s truly alarming is that the U.S. government now appears to be part of this group.
Why is humor so threatening to authoritarian figures?
Authoritarians are often hypersensitive, insisting on being perceived as infallible. Some scholars contend that the perception of competence is crucial for dictatorships to maintain power. Unlike anger or direct protest, which challenge power head-on, laughter and mockery are entirely dismissive, essentially proclaiming, “This leader is a joke.” In this sense, humor acts as the ultimate weapon.
Is there a recognizable pattern in how authoritarian leaders attempt to suppress speech?
It typically begins with broad criticism of the media. This then escalates to suggestions that specific individuals and publications are “enemies of the people.” Following this, there are often moves to acquire or control media companies.
The ultimate objective is always to cultivate an echo chamber. In today’s world, this extends beyond just controlling traditional newspapers and broadcast networks to encompass social media platforms and emerging technologies like AI. However, the underlying strategy remains consistent: to dominate the information landscape and leverage that control to impose a new vision of what constitutes normal or “common sense.” It is all part of a broader effort to achieve cultural and political supremacy.
Who currently exemplifies this mastery of control?
China undoubtedly possesses the most advanced system for information control. The Chinese model heavily relies on internet censorship, surveillance, and regulation. It has deployed a range of new technologies to enforce strict rules not only on political discourse but also on topics like manhood in video games and other cultural issues.
[Image: Crowd surveillance in Beijing, in July.]
Credit…Qilai Shen for The New York Times
The U.S. is still far from such a scenario. Jimmy Kimmel is back on air, and social media continues to be a platform for criticism against the former President. How much weight should we give to this?
It’s not merely about individual voices. Experts are concerned that former President Trump has already set a dangerous precedent by coercing some media company owners into compliance. He has demonstrated how easy it can be to prompt corporate owners to yield and silence creators. As long as corporate leaders perceive it to be in their financial interest to meet presidential demands, the threat remains significant.
Historically, the U.S. has maintained a maximalist commitment to free speech rights, at least on paper, permitting speech that other countries might restrict. If the U.S.’s dedication to free speech is now in question, what impact does that have on other democracies?
It legitimizes all those countries and leaders who have aggressively suppressed speech and dissent. It also emboldens leaders who haven’t yet moved in this direction to consider, ‘Perhaps I should push for more restrictions.’
This applies not only to weaker democracies but also to strong ones. It establishes a model of leadership that signals, “We are entering a new era with different rules, even in the country with the First Amendment, which historically boasted one of the strongest systems of free expression.”
It suggests that we are all moving toward a world where, if you have a strong critique of someone in power, you might think twice and choose to remain silent.
MORE TOP NEWS
[Image: Donald Trump speaking at a podium with Benjamin Netanyahu next to him.]
Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times
Trump and Netanyahu Unveil Gaza Peace Plan
President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. It appeared unlikely that Hamas would agree to their proposal, which demands the group disarm, accept significantly less than a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory, and have no future role in governing Gaza.
During a joint news conference at the White House yesterday, Trump stated that if Hamas did not agree to the proposal, which requires them to relinquish control of Gaza, Israel would have his “full backing” to eradicate the group. Netanyahu affirmed that if Hamas refused, “then Israel will finish the job by itself.”
The full text of the Gaza plan outlines Israel’s gradual withdrawal of forces from the enclave: initially, to facilitate the return of all Israeli hostages (living and deceased), followed by further withdrawals once an “International Stabilization Force” is established. Hamas members who “commit to peaceful coexistence” and surrender their weapons would be granted amnesty; those choosing to leave Gaza would be provided safe passage.
The proposal offers no concrete path to a Palestinian state, only mentioning statehood as an “aspiration” of the Palestinian people.
Gaza’s future: The U.S. plan calls for a transitional authority to stabilize Gaza, potentially including Tony Blair, the former British prime minister.
OTHER NEWS
- Typhoon Bualoi tore into central Vietnam, leaving at least 13 people dead. Two million people were without power.
- A pro-European party won an election in Moldova despite intense Russian interference.
- Namibia deployed soldiers to fight a wildfire that burned more than a third of Etosha National Park, one of the largest in Africa.
- Denmark closed its airspace to civilian drone flights ahead of a major E.U. summit, following a spate of recent drone sightings near airports.
- Mail delivery in Canada was halted after postal workers went on strike to protest a drastic government overhaul.
- Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund teamed up to take Electronic Arts private for $55 billion — the biggest buyout ever.
HAPPENING TODAY
- Trump plans to attend an unusual gathering of hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals at a military base in Virginia, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- World leaders and activists will hold a high-profile meeting at the U.N. to help Rohingya refugees. But none of the refugees will be present.
SPORTS
[Image: Six officials stand on a cricket stage that reads “World Asia Cup 2025.”]
Credit…Altaf Qadri/Associated Press
Cricket: India’s team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from a Pakistani official, leading to an hour-long standoff.
Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz’s spell-binding victory at the Japan Open included diamond-edged forehands and gossamer drop shots.
WORD OF THE DAY
Intentional
— A buzzword to describe deliberate choices. With endless demands on our time and attention, doing everyday things “intentionally” gives an illusion of control.
MORNING READ
[Image: A man on a boat looks out at the water.]
Credit…Andrew Testa for The New York Times
Something strange is happening in the rich fishing waters off the British coast. Trawlers are finding tons of Mediterranean octopuses in their nets. Scientists say that warming waters, caused by climate change, are a likely cause.
Some trawler crews are cashing in on the octopus influx. But it’s a different story for the town’s lobster and crab boats, because the highly intelligent cephalopods are treating shellfish traps like a convenient buffet. Read more.
AROUND THE WORLD
How they’re aging well in … France
[Image: A GIF of a woman stretching]
Credit…Theodore Tae and Antoine Castagné for The New York Times
Every morning, after her breakfast of coffee and toast with butter, honey or jam, Charlotte Chopin, age 102, does yoga. She started her practice at 50 to get a break from housework and became an instructor about a decade later.
Chopin is something of a celebrity in France. But she makes no claims to be a wellness guru. Still, people keep asking for her secrets to aging well. “I don’t have too many problems,” she said. “I have an activity that I like.” Read more.
REPORTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Every week, we’ll bring you tips from our reporters across the world. Here are mine from Berlin.— Katrin.
Listen to Meute, an 11-piece techno marching band that has reached cult status by creating electrifying deep house tunes with acoustic instruments. Utterly hypnotic.
Make bratwurst. Scratch that. Just buy a bratwurst — the stalls are everywhere. (Skip the sauerkraut, which is overrated.)
Watch “The People Vs. Fritz Bauer,” a thriller that tells the story of Germany’s reluctant postwar reckoning with the Holocaust.
Read “The Director” a novel inspired by the great Austrian director G.W. Pabst, who sold his soul to the Nazis. A page-turner about art and power.
Dine at Tulus Lotrek, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves locally sourced innovative German cuisine. Pricey but not stuffy. Tattoos and vegans welcome.
Dance at Sisyphos, a proper Berlin techno club in an old dog food factory on the river. (Get stamped in the afternoon to avoid long evening lines!)
RECIPE
[Image: A plate of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and tofu topped with mint and lime.]
Credit…Linda Xiao for The New York Times
Just about every home in India has its own recipe for garam masala, the most common spice blend in the country and a cornerstone of South Asian cuisines. In this any-season dish, masala gives onions and chickpeas a comforting heartiness.
WHERE IS THIS?
[Image: People sitting and strolling along a waterfront promenade with gleaming skyscrapers in the distance.]
Credit…Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times
Where is this promenade?
- Batumi, Georgia
- Astana, Kazakhstan
- Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Baku, Azerbaijan
TIME TO PLAY
Here are today’s Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, Wordle and Sudoku. Find all our games here.
You’re done for today. See you tomorrow! — Katrin
We welcome your feedback. Send us your suggestions at theworld@nytimes.com.