ABSTRACT
Second follow-up meeting is “a grand human rights theatre” as activists pour in to lobby delegates. Worsening Cold War nearly sinks the conference. Nato now more united than at Belgrade. Ronald Reagan takes office as US President in January 1981. After strongly opposing the Helsinki Process he retains his delegation in Madrid, now led by skilful lawyer Max Kampelman. Martial law in Poland suspends talks. Soviet desire for a disarmament conference gives West leverage. Conference agrees new protection for trade unions, to support Polish opposition. Helsinki Process survives its toughest test yet, proving the value to both sides of maintaining dialogue through critical times.
