Praxis
On Acting and Knowing

Presents a shift from the accepted IR standard of theorizing, by analyzing policy decisions made in non-ideal conditions within a broader framework of practical choices.

Friedrich Kratochwil (Author)

9781108457385, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 November 2022

553 pages
22.8 x 15 x 2.8 cm, 0.82 kg

'This is the most important theoretical work in IR … this is a must-read for all IR scholars.' Christian Reus-Smit, Perspectives on Politics

Praxis investigates both the existing practices of international politics and relations during and after the Cold War, and the issue of whether problems of praxis (individual and collective choices) can be subjected to a 'theoretical treatment'. The book comes in two parts: the first deals with the constitution of international relations and the role of theoretical norms in guiding decisions, in areas such as sanctions, the punishment of international crimes, governance and 'constitutional' concern, the second is devoted to 'theory building'. While a 'theorization' of praxis has often been attempted, Kratochwil argues that such endeavours do not attend to certain important elements characteristic of practical choices. Praxis presents a shift from the accepted international relations standard of theorizing, by arguing for the analysis of policy decisions made in non-ideal conditions within a broader framework of practical choices, emphasizing both historicity and contingency.

Foreword
1. Constructivism and the practices of (international) politics: the case for a humean approach
2. Constituting
3. Changing
4. Showing
5. Guiding
6. Sanctioning
7. Punishing
8. Remembering and forgetting
9. Knowing and doubting
10. Acting
11. Judging and communicating.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Social theory [JHBA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]