ABSTRACT
The differences that exist in the central arrangements for conducting foreign policy in various states have been influenced by the expansion in the content of foreign policy, the loosening of central control and the increasingly technical nature of much of external policy. The tendency for fragmentation or independent action, especially in advanced industrial states, necessarily places constraints on the central political control of foreign policy. The main functions of foreign ministries are defined as ceremonial, managerial, information and communication, international negotiation, duty of protection and contribution to international order. The United Kingdom has also improved coordination at central government level through moving over to a national security council system. Efforts to improve the coordination and direction of foreign policy in developing countries have in the main involved building up agencies under the direct control of or attached institutionally to the head of government or state.
