During World War I, Austria-Hungary significantly influenced the struggle for Palestine and was also active in the region through various humanitarian, propaganda, and religious-political measures. The book sheds light on the political backgrounds that prompted Vienna to engage in this exotic endeavor. Using extensive source material, it illustrates the successes and failures of military and civilian initiatives, as well as the perspectives of the key players. This creates a picture of a European great power that, despite facing immense pressure in Europe, pursued an expansive course in the Near East and maintained this stance well into 1918.