may be necessary for the emergence of a new direction in foreign policy does not 20 Changing Course provide a theory explaining such changes. Nor do isolated propositions about the conditions in those stages that may foster major change offer such a theory. What we hope to have provided here is a platform or orientation that may pro-
has already been made to the distinction between foreign policy redirection that results from regime change or state transformation, and change that occurs when the existing government elects to move in a different policy direction.
Alternatively, an existing regime may change its foreign policy to distin- guish itself from opponents or to prevent defeat. 2. The attitudes or beliefs of the dominant domestic constituents undergo a pro-
Options and choices are made by ministers, agency heads, cabinet members, or their representatives, and policies are implemented by one or more government departments. Thus, to understand foreign policy change, it can be argued, one must examine the bureaucratic conditions governing the policy process.
In the domestic political system, two things are necessary to effect change in. foreign policy. First, there must be a change in that system and, second, that systemic. CHARLES F. HERMANN 11. change must trigger a change in the government's foreign policy.
reorientation to which Allison refers is an integral part of any fundamental change. of course in foreign policy. Changes that mark a reversal or, at least, a profound redirection of a country's. foreign policy are of special interest because of the demands their adoption poses on.
In other words, it is a program (plan) designed to address some problem or pursue. some goal that entails action toward foreign entities.
Editor's note: Charles F. Hermann is President of the International Studies Association 1989-90. This article is an. edited version of his presidential address, delivered at the 30th Annual Convention of the International Studies. Association, London, UK, March 30, 1989.