A history of Greece's international borrowing and its relationship with the country's needs in foreign policy, defense, and development. The book covers 200 years of economic development, social progress, as well as financial crises and bankruptcies.

Were there ultimately benefits from Greece's borrowing policy? What debts were incurred over time to foreign lenders? How were they settled? Were there benefits and what were they? In which direction were the respective borrowing resources channeled?

By examining the history of Greece's economic and fiscal policy from the War of Independence to the present day, this book contributes decisively to the necessary effort of national self-awareness.