Alliances form in many settings, including political alliances, military alliances, and business alliances. When the term is used in the context of war or armed struggle, such associations may also be called allied powers, especially when discussing World War I or World War II.

Alliance, in international relations, a formal agreement between two or more states for mutual support in case of war. Contemporary alliances provide for combined action by two or more independent states and are generally defensive in nature, obligating allies to join forces if one or more of them is attacked.

strengthen the alliance of western nations There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world. The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between …

Series of alliances and identifications are formed among these groups, which cross-cut, complement, and trouble one another.

There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world. The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2010年8月8日 · An alliance is a formal political, military or economic agreement between two or more nations. Alliances are a common feature of human civilisation. They are not a new phenomenon and predate the rise of modern nation-states – there are examples of alliances between tribes, city-states and kingdoms dating back many centuries.

Alliances are topsy-turvy, defy logic, are unfamiliar and shifting. From NPR Alliances were beginning to form as some of the smaller states sought to ally with known powers in the region.

Many alliances rest on the principle of collective security, through which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. Major alliances formed after World War II include the ANZUS Pact, the Arab League, ASEAN, the Organization of American States, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, and the Warsaw Pact.

Alliances are a primary means for balancing power in international politics. Most dramatically this occurs when broad alliances form against an aggressor, like Napoleonic France, that threatens to suborn the international system.

A connection based on kinship, marriage, or common interest; a bond or tie: the shifting alliances within a large family. b. A long-term association of two or more animals of the same species, in which members cooperate for a purpose such as gaining access to mates or defending territory.