In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned the American people about the dangers of becoming entangled in permanent alliances with foreign nations. He advised that the United States should "steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world," emphasizing that such alliances could draw the young nation into unnecessary wars and conflicts that do not serve its interests

. Washington believed that permanent attachments or animosities toward other nations would cloud the government's judgment and could lead to the country being manipulated by foreign powers, thus compromising American sovereignty and interests

. He urged Americans to maintain a policy of neutrality and to avoid long-term political or military commitments abroad, especially in the complex and often hostile affairs of European powers. Washington saw the country's geographic isolation and unity as advantages that should be used to avoid foreign entanglements and focus on domestic growth and security

. While recognizing the necessity of temporary alliances in extraordinary emergencies, he cautioned against permanent alliances that could entangle the United States in foreign rivalries and ambitions

. Washington also warned that foreign nations, whether friendly or hostile, would attempt to influence American politics and public opinion, and he called on "real patriots" to resist such intrigues, even if they became unpopular for doing so

. Overall, his advice was to cultivate peace and harmony with all nations, pursue free trade impartially, and maintain independence in foreign policy to protect the nation's liberty and interests

. In summary, Washington's key warning was to avoid permanent foreign alliances to preserve American independence, peace, and prosperity, relying instead on neutrality and temporary alliances only when absolutely necessary