A compelling critique of contemporary continental theory. Through a series of incisive readings of leading theoretical figures of affirmationism--Jacques Derrida, Gilles Deleuze, Bruno Latour, Antonio Negri and Alain Badiou--Benjamin Noys contests the tendency of recent theory to rely on affirmation, and especially an affirmative thinking of resistance. He reveals a profound current of negativity that allows theory to return to its political calling.