In "Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History," Robert D. Kaplan explains that the term "macedoine," referring to a mixed salad, derives from Macedonia, which symbolizes the complex issues facing the Balkans. The region is plagued by deep-seated historical grievances, with each nation longing for a return to the glory days of their respective empires. This desire for imperial restoration fuels ongoing tensions and conflicts among the various countries in the area.

Kaplan highlights how these conflicting national aspirations contribute to instability in the Balkans. Each country seeks to reclaim territories that align with their historical notions of greatness, creating a mosaic of competing ambitions and unresolved historical narratives. The result is a landscape marked by a struggle for identity and autonomy, where the past continuously influences present-day political dynamics.