The Helsinki Effect: International Norms, Human Rights, and the Demise of Communism Paperback - 2001

First line

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS between the states of Eastern and Western Europe during the 1950s and 1960s were governed by the traditional norm of non-intervention in domestic affairs, meaning that a state's behavior within its borders was not a legitimate concern of others states.

From the rear cover

"Thomas has done a great job showing how the Helsinki human rights norms mattered. . . . The writing is excellent. The story is compelling."--Stephen D. Krasner, Stanford University

"The Helsinki Effect offers a very well written and accessible account of some of the most important historical events of our age, and a powerful argument about the role of Helsinki norms. This book will attract a wide readership in political science but will also appeal to audiences in history and sociology who are interested in social movements."--Martha Finnemore, George Washington University

"This book represents a major contribution to debates on the origins and effects of international norms. It argues that international norms can affect outcomes by transforming relations between state and societal actors. Above all, Thomas demonstrates in great detail and most convincingly how the Helsinki human rights norm contributed to the collapse of Communism and the end of the Cold War in Europe. Required reading for anybody interested in these themes!"--Thomas Risse, European University Institute