'A profoundly thoughtful work that establishes Aletta Norval in the front rank of contemporary political theorists. Through a reciprocal elucidation of the insights and illusions of deliberative and post-structuralist approaches to democracy, Norval grounds a compelling argument for the value of a Wittgensteinian turn in democratic theory. Aversive Democracy promises to become a pivotal text for the future direction of radical democratic thought.' David Owen, University of Southampton

'Building on Wittgenstein, Cavell and Derrida, Aletta Norval elucidates the intersubjective experience of critical democratic praxis ('aversive democracy') with an approach that reaches beyond agonistic and deliberative theories while preserving the gains of both.' James Tully, University of Victoria

'Aversive Democracy should be read by deliberative democrats and post-structuralist radical democrats alike. Deliberative democrats should read the book for its careful and insightful critique of the emphasis on consensus and rationality in deliberative democracy. Post-structuralists should read the book for its careful development of a post-structuralist and radical democratic approach to democracy. In particular, Norval's attempt to develop a conception of democratic argumentation, subjectivity and community is praiseworthy.' Journal of Power