Although frequently invoked by philosophers and political theorists, the theory of negativity has received arguably little sustained attention. This text provides a full length study of this crucial problematic within philosophy and political theory. Diana Coole clearly shows how the problem of negativity lies at the heart of philosophical and political debate. Firstly, she explores the meaning of negativity as it appears in modern and postmodern thinking. Secondly, she sets out the significance of negativity for politics and our understanding of what constitutes the political.