"A second characteristic of our time is the prevalence of nationalism. This is still spreading, affecting new communities, more peripheral regions and so-called backward peoples"

Emily Greene Balch's declaration assesses the pervasive spread of nationalism during the duration she was observing, which resonates with various historical and modern contexts. Nationalism, at its core, is an ideological commitment to the interests and culture of a country, typically stressing national sovereignty and self-governance. Balch's observation mean a complicated interaction of socio-political dynamics that were popular in the early to mid-20th century, but which continue to have relevance today.

In translating this quote, it is crucial to recognize the historical backdrop against which Balch was writing. The early 20th century was marked by significant geopolitical shifts, consisting of the dissolution of empires, the redrawing of nationwide limits, and the development of brand-new nation-states following World War I. Nationalism was a powerful force, which sustained both liberation motions and aggressive expansionist agendas. Balch keeps in mind that nationalism was not confined to established nation-states; it was significantly affecting "new neighborhoods" and "more peripheral areas". This suggests a broadening influence of nationalist ideologies, reaching locations and groups that were formerly less engaged in the worldwide nationalist discourse. It shows the dissemination of nationalist beliefs into less centralized neighborhoods, frequently described as "peripheral areas."

The reference of "so-called backwards peoples" is a sign of the widespread, albeit Eurocentric, viewpoint of that era, which classified societies based upon industrial and technological development. Nationalism in these locations often reflected a push against colonial rule and a desire for self-determination, which was a crucial part of decolonization narratives.

Balch's analysis highlights nationalism's dual nature. On one hand, it was a unifying force that could cause the unification and fortifying of nationwide identities. On the other hand, it could be exclusionary, breeding conflicts and stress in between various groups. In today's context, her observations stay pertinent as nationalism continues to shape political landscapes, influencing worldwide relations and internal characteristics of countries. Understanding this historical growth of nationalism offers insights into the difficulties and goals driving nationalist movements internationally.