Theories of radical democracy are characterized by a comprehensive understanding of contingency through a critique of norms and norm-based rule. However, it is discussed whether the abolition of oppressive conditions and the idea of self-determination do not imply a normative understanding. The article therefore discusses which understanding of normative political theory is appropriate for theories of radical democracy. The thesis is that equating normative theory and normalization leads to the misconception that normativity cannot be thought of in radical democratic or negative terms.