This booklet traces the development of the 1973 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Helsinki. The conference came to symbolize detente in Europe and was comprised of 33 countries in Europe, as well as the United States and Canada. It was hoped the new structure to emerge would promote a greater sense of security by mitigating cold-war tensions and reduce, or remove, all barriers between the East and West. The book offers an assessment of foreign policy in the intervening decade since the conference. Chapters include: (1) "From Yalta to Helsinki"; (2) "The Meaning of Helsinki"; (3) "The Changing Posture of the United States"; (4) "Confrontation at Belgrade"; (5) "Madrid: Security vs. Human Rights"; and (6) "The Value of the Helsinki Process." Monographs in FPA's Headline Series are published approximately four times a year and are intended as a resource for teachers and students in the foreign policy area. Each monograph: is about a world area or topic; is written by a noted scholar; is brief (usually 64 pages); is written to be highly readable; includes basic background, maps, charts, discussion guides, and suggested reading. (EH)