This collection investigates how the events of September 11, 2001, fundamentally altered the legal, political, and social status of Muslim populations living within Western nations. Edited by Jocelyne Cesari, a prominent scholar in the study of Islam and secularism, the volume gathers contributions from various experts to analyze the intersection of national security policies and religious identity. The text argues that the post-9/11 era has seen a distinct securitization of Islam, which complicates the integration of Muslim communities and challenges traditional liberal democratic frameworks in both the United States and Europe.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational academic resource for understanding the sociopolitical climate for Muslims in the West during the early 21st century. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which makes it particularly suitable for researchers and students of political science and religious studies.