The main subject is the relation of Serbia to modernity, in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. By combining social, cultural, and political history of modernization attempts and obstacles during the last two centuries of Serbian history, the author offers an analytical interpretation of social phenomena and historical events, identifies continuities and discontinuities in social processes, and problematizes the troubles of modernization that Serbia has been undergoing for the past two hundred years.

Winner of the 2012 Vojin Milić Award for the best book in sociology.