This book investigates whether contemporary militant Islamic movements, such as al-Qaeda, are driven by the same universalist humanitarian impulses that motivate secular global political movements. Faisal Devji, a historian and scholar of South Asian and Islamic studies, utilizes a framework of political philosophy to analyze the rhetoric and actions of militants. He argues that these groups seek agency and legitimacy on the global stage, positioning themselves as actors within a broader, albeit unconventional, global society. By examining the militant's self-conception, Devji challenges the traditional view of terrorism as purely irrational or exclusively religious in nature.

Scholars and political analysts frequently note the dense, theoretical nature of Devji's prose, which prioritizes philosophical inquiry over empirical policy analysis. Experts often cite this work as a significant contribution to understanding the political logic of non-state actors, though some critics argue that the comparison to humanitarianism remains highly provocative and controversial.