Happening Tuesday: OMD, Wil Wheaton and more

BOOKS

Joseph S. Nye Jr. Since World War II, the dynamics of power on the world stage have shifted. According to Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye, we are now in the era of “soft power,” a new paradigm that includes cultural influence, moral leadership and even likeability. In his new book, “The Future of Power,” Nye makes the case that it will be neither soft nor hard power but, rather, “smart power” that will be deployed by leaders in the future. Zocalo at the RAND Corp., 1776 Main St., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. Zocalopublicsquare.org.

COMEDY

Wil Wheaton vs. Paul and Storm Largo hosts an evening of laughter, songs and stories courtesy of the actor and supergeek Wil Wheaton and the comedy music duo Paul and Storm. Attendees should brace themselves for audience interaction but might just be rewarded — possibly with snack cakes — for good behavior. Largo, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $25. (310) 855-0350. https://www.largo-la.com.

EVENTS

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon The former ABC news reporter and author of “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana” discusses her true account of an unlikely entrepreneur who, despite the odds, saved her family and inspired her community in Afghanistan under the Taliban. In conversation with Kai Ryssdal, host of “Marketplace” on American Public Media. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., downtown. 7 p.m. Free with advance reservations. (213) 228-7500. https://www.lfla.org.

OMD The pioneering synth group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark was for years one of those bands whose influence far outweighed its audience, especially in the minds of today’s retro futurist producers. That may change for Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys with a new tour to underscore how their updates of Kraftwerk’s and Can’s analog wrangling still sound like tomorrow. With the intriguing and like-minded Danish singer Oh Land. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 9 p.m. $32.50. themusicbox.la.