This is an examination of how the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe has dealt with the problem of European security. The book opens with an analysis of conditions in post-war Europe and shows how these gave rise to the CSCE and the Conference for Disarmament in Europe (CDE).

Part 1 The War and the post-war period: post-war Europe. Part 2 the emergence of the CSCE: the German problem and the early proposals for a European security conference; the concept of a European Security conference, 1955-58; the road to Helsinki, 1969-73; Helsinki, 1973-75; military aspects of security at CSCE: the Belgrade meeting. Part 3 The CDE: Madrid and CSBMs; the Stockholm Conference; towards a successful outcome, 1984-86; agreement achieved; CDE and beyond - a provisional assessment.