The present study by Bulgarian historian Ivan Ilchev describes the propagandistic mechanisms created by the Balkan states, from their establishment to the end of World War I, in order to influence the global public opinion - especially the European one - about the justice of their arguments and struggles. Ilchev uses various archival material and an extensive bibliography to reconstruct and analyze the mechanisms of propaganda tactics. It is interesting to observe the large sums of money that interested parties allocated, both domestically and internationally, to form groups sympathetic to their views, composed of politicians, diplomats, historians, geographers, and journalists. Secret funds from the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs were used to recruit influential individuals who influenced the policies of the Great Powers and shaped public opinion in foreign capitals, as well as to coordinate the actions of student organizations and associations of migrants and refugees. The struggle intensified, particularly after the Crimean War and during the Eastern Crisis.

As the author aptly states: "The result of propaganda in the Balkans was tragic. The propagandists deepened the gap between peoples. They exaggerated and perpetuated existing negative stereotypes. In the name of their countries' national interests, as they themselves understood them, persistently and tirelessly, working endless hours away from the public eye, they severed even the weakest and most delicate bridge to mutual understanding. This represents one of the greatest dangers of propaganda in foreign policy. Because the seeds sown decades ago bear poisonous fruits now, while violence casts its heavy shadow."