This book investigates the complex landscape of contemporary Islam, examining the tension between fundamentalist interpretations and cosmopolitan ideals. Jocelyne Cesari, a noted scholar of Islam and politics, draws on extensive research to analyze how Muslim communities navigate globalized modernity. The work explores the diverse ways Muslims engage with both religious tradition and secular, international norms, challenging simplistic notions of a monolithic Islamic response to the modern world. Cesari's argument centers on the emergence of a 'post-transnational' Islam, shaped by both local contexts and global flows of ideas and people.

This work is recognized for its nuanced approach to understanding Islam in a globalized context, moving beyond binary oppositions. Scholars have noted Cesari's ability to synthesize complex theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence from diverse Muslim communities. The book is considered a significant contribution to the study of contemporary Islam, offering a sophisticated analysis of the forces shaping religious and political life.