When the Helsinki Final Act was signed in 1975, no one anticipated the extraordinary impact it would have in undermining Communist rule in Eastern Europe and bringing down the Berlin Wall. Dr. Korey's pioneering study explores both the developments in the Helsinki Process that led to this historic transformation and the United States's leadership role, which proved central to its success. The Promises We Keep delves into the fascinating subject of the United States' initial lack of leadership and the way in which its remarkable policy turnaround was quickly effected and consistently followed. The Helsinki Process is by no means at an end. Dr. Korey also examines the xenophobic nationalisms tearing at the fabric of European society, and which pose new and frightening human rights challenges.