French counterterrorist policy took shape during the 1980s and has followed the sanctuary doctrine whenever possible in dealings with international terrorism. The consequences of this include: the Foreign Office has lost out to the Home Office; the administration of justice has often been forced to yield to raison d'Etat; and finally, counterterrorist activities have been centralized. France has realized that international terrorism shifts the balance of power and responsibilities within the executive branch of the State, as diplomacy fails and the Home Office swells in importance. France also knows that dealing with terrorism, whether of domestic or foreign origins, necessitates a centralization and coordination that give more force to the executive. 26 notes (Author abstract modified)