Meaning: The quote by Hjalmar Branting is a reflection on the significance of the annual meetings of the League of Nations' Assembly as official peace congresses. It highlights the transformation in the perception and role of these meetings over time, particularly in comparison to the views held by statesmen a quarter of a century prior to the quote's publication. The quote suggests that the League's Assembly meetings have evolved to become instrumental in promoting and maintaining peace among participating states, surpassing the expectations and ideals that were once considered unattainable.

Hjalmar Branting, a Swedish statesman and a key figure in the establishment of the League of Nations, emphasizes the substantial impact of the League's Assembly meetings by likening them to official peace congresses. The term "official peace congresses" carries a weight of formality and authority, indicating that the decisions and agreements made during these gatherings hold significant relevance and influence in the context of international relations. Branting's use of the phrase "binding on the participating states" underscores the obligatory nature of the agreements reached at these meetings, suggesting that they are not merely symbolic gestures, but rather have tangible implications for the member states.

The reference to the "participating states" implies that the decisions made at the League's Assembly meetings are collectively binding on the member nations, signifying a mutual commitment to uphold the principles of peace and cooperation. This notion aligns with the foundational purpose of the League of Nations, which was established in the aftermath of World War I with the objective of preventing future conflicts through international cooperation and diplomacy. Branting's portrayal of the Assembly meetings as "official peace congresses" reinforces the idea that these gatherings serve as pivotal forums for fostering understanding, resolving disputes, and promoting harmony among nations.

The quote also alludes to the evolving perspectives of statesmen over time, particularly in relation to the perceived feasibility of such international peace efforts. Branting's mention of how "most statesmen a quarter of a century ago would have regarded as utopian" reflects a shift in attitudes towards the potential for multilateral diplomacy to effectively maintain peace. The term "utopian" conveys the notion of an idealistic, impractical concept, suggesting that the prospect of official peace congresses with binding implications was once deemed unrealistic or overly ambitious by many political leaders.

The evolution of the League of Nations' Assembly meetings from being viewed as utopian ideals to becoming recognized as official peace congresses points to a broader transformation in the international community's approach to conflict resolution and collective security. It signifies a departure from the skepticism and cynicism that may have characterized the attitudes of statesmen in the past, towards a more optimistic and proactive stance in addressing global challenges through diplomatic means.

In conclusion, Hjalmar Branting's quote encapsulates the evolution and significance of the League of Nations' Assembly meetings as official peace congresses. It underscores the transformative impact of these gatherings in promoting peace and fostering international cooperation, while also highlighting the shifting perspectives of statesmen over time. By characterizing the Assembly meetings as binding on participating states and surpassing previous utopian perceptions, the quote underscores the instrumental role of multilateral diplomacy in advancing the cause of global peace and stability.