Georges Corm's profound work delves into the complex historical relationship between Europe and the Arab East, exploring how concepts of modernity have unfolded in the region. The book critically examines the processes of 'Balkanization' and 'Lebanonization,' highlighting the fragmentation and identity crises that have plagued the Arab world, often influenced by external powers. Corm meticulously analyzes the socio-political dynamics, arguing that much of the region's modernity remains 'unfinished,' trapped between traditional structures and external pressures. It's a crucial read for understanding the contemporary challenges facing the Middle East through a historical lens.