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.

Introduction : The problem of Praxis and its "Theoritical" implications -- The Plan(s) of the book -- 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.