Across cultures and across history, people have used political satire to call out abuses of power, manipulation, deception, and absurdity. While there are examples of satire everywhere, its growth as a form of political resistance and as a reference for political behavior has been on the rise in the modern era and has been particularly visible in the internet age. Yet, despite the fact that examples of political satire are everywhere, it remains an elusive concept. How does satire differ from mockery? What is the role of irony in satire? Can making fun of something have a serious impact? What is the purpose of satire and what are its social effects?

This book offers an introduction to modern political satire in an easy-to-access format designed for both beginners and readers looking to refine their understanding of this complex genre. Drawing on examples from Stephen Colbert to Bassem Youssef to Charlie Hebdo, and studying a range of different types of satirical media, this one-of-a-kind introduction to political satire examines the role that satire has played in shaping political discourse, promoting civic engagement, and influencing audiences.