Latin American rightwing politicians use humor to normalize extremism

A new analysis reveals how Latin American rightwing populist leaders like Javier Milei, Nayib Bukele, and Jair Bolsonaro use humor to normalize extreme ideologies and deflect criticism. Jokes targeting opponents, such as portraying leftist leaders as inhuman, undermine public trust and social cohesion. The tactic has historical roots in the region's dictatorships, where humor was used to trivialize repression and delegitimize dissidents.