What important advice did George Washington provide in his Farewell Address regarding foreign alliances?

In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against forming permanent alliances with foreign nations. He believed that such alliances could entangle the United States in conflicts and compromise its ability to act independently. Washington emphasized the importance of neutrality and cautioned that strong ties with other countries could lead to the loss of public focus on domestic issues and interests. His perspective was shaped by his experiences during the Revolutionary War and the complexities of international politics, where he valued the fledgling nation’s ability to navigate its interests without being bound by the commitments of alliances that could provoke unnecessary warfare or undermine national sovereignty. This advice laid a foundational principle of American foreign policy for years to come, promoting a more cautious and independent approach to international relations.