Throughout the essay Balibar explains the effect that ethnicity has on a nation. The beginning of the quote addresses the idea that an ethnic divide among the people is a byproduct of the nationalization of a social formation. The creation of an ethnic identity helps to ultimately unify the people. There are two ways in which it can be done. The first involves the use of language as a way of allowing people to come together and be able to communicate in a common language. Race as well becomes an important factor that allows people to exchange and develop their culture and values. According to the quotation, ethnicity creates an identity and culture. Balibar explains that these identities and cultures are created through institutions. These
