of the handbook sets the stage for understanding Bulgaria's political landscape in mid-1973, where the state remains under the tight grip of the Bulgarian Communist Party. The authors describe the historical events leading to Bulgaria's current system, emphasizing the legacy of Soviet influence. Important figures, such as Todor Zhivkov, are introduced, along with their relationships with Soviet leaders. This segment also outlines Bulgaria's aspirations for territorial reclamation and national identity, touching on its irredentist ambitions that have persisted despite the twists of history. Overall, this beginning portion meticulously establishes the groundwork for the detailed exploration of Bulgaria's multifaceted society that follows in the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)