“Weird Diplomacy” explores the often-overlooked role of humor and unconventional tactics in international relations. It argues that humor can be a form of soft power, capable of diffusing tense situations or creating alliances. The book reveals that seemingly trivial aspects, such as political pranks, can significantly impact diplomatic outcomes. For example, satire was used during the Cold War to subtly undermine adversaries. The book's approach is to examine specific instances across centuries and continents, structured in three parts. It progresses from historical examples of humor in diplomacy to contemporary instances of unorthodox tactics, and finally analyzes situations where humor backfired. It analyzes how humor can build rapport or strain relations, highlighting the human element in diplomatic strategy. By diving into the undercurrents of human interaction, “Weird Diplomacy” offers a new perspective on the forces shaping international relations. It connects interdisciplinary themes like cultural studies and psychology to explain how humor influences perceptions and outcomes, revealing the serious side of humor in global affairs.
