Source: International Review, No.2, 2026

Abstract: The ‘practice turn’ in the study of international relations theory has promoted the rise and development of international practice theory. While this theory attempts to ground itself in a praxis ontology that seeks to transcend the materialist — idealist dichotomy, its engagement with this ontological foundation remains superficial. This lack of depth has led to a misappropriation of Bourdieu’s “Logic of Practice”, failing to genuinely integrate it with praxis ontology. From the perspective of Marxist praxis ontology, it becomes evident that international practice theory oversimplifies Bourdieu’s dialectic of constructing internality and externality by reducing it to a mere agent — structure relationship, thereby distorting its original meaning. Although it glimpses the reflexive relationship between agents and structures within practice, International practice theory overlooks the gegenständliche (object — oriented) relationship between the subject and object of praxis. By applying the object — oriented principle of Marxist praxis ontology, a logical analytical framework for praxis can be constructed through a critical reflection on international practice theory. This framework enables a more accurate understanding of international practice and serves to explicate the Marxist view of praxis inherent in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Consequently, this approach not only provides a Marxist analytical pathway for the study of international practice, but also lays a theoretical foundation for comprehending the practical logic of China’s diplomacy in the new era.

Keywords: Marxism; Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy; Praxis Ontology; International Practice Theory; Gegenständliche Thätigkeit