Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book focuses on a theoretical approach to the intractable problem of theory/practice in international relations (IR). It discusses the basic features of knowledge production in the field of IR that has led to an oversight of the very basic interplay between theory and practice. The book also focuses on sociological practice approach that can help shed light on the interplay between theory and practice. It analyses the field-specific capital in the field and how these types set the boundaries around the field, selected agency, and determined the hierarchy. The three types of capital are military, social and scientific. The book also addresses the practical patterns of interaction. It explains that the balance between military, social and scientific capital changed and that military capital came to badly hinder North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) position in the new structure in European security.