This book investigates the evolution of the 'Coptic Question' in Egypt, specifically focusing on how the relationship between the Coptic minority and the Muslim majority was negotiated during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak. Sebastian Elsässer, a scholar specializing in modern Middle Eastern history, utilizes a rigorous analytical framework to examine the intersection of religious identity, state policy, and national unity. By synthesizing historical data from the 19th century through the end of the Mubarak era, the author argues that the political management of sectarian relations was central to the regime's survival and the broader discourse on Egyptian citizenship.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of minority politics in modern Egypt. Scholars frequently highlight the author's meticulous use of primary sources and his ability to contextualize contemporary sectarian tensions within a long-term historical framework.