system of alliances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system of alliances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a network or arrangement of agreements between countries or organizations for mutual benefit, often in a political or military context. Example: "The system of alliances in Europe before World War I created a complex web of obligations that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The French Revolution terminated the system of alliances for which Kaunitz had stood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His main purpose may have been the creation of a system of alliances against actual or possible rivals and enemies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Calling the initiative the "project of the century," Xi emphasized the difference between the U.S. system of alliances and the way that commerce would operate in China.

The New Yorker

That era's search for security transformed the American relationship with the world, yielding a global system of alliances, doctrines of containment and deterrence and commitments to multilateral cooperation.

The New York Times - Books

However strong the state of Ranjit Singh might have appeared, it was in fact based on a fragile system of alliances, as became apparent soon after his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The greater part of northern Italy was ravaged, and no member of its complex system of alliances emerged as a clear victor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

On the other hand, some tribal cohesion and systems of alliance were required because of the constant raiding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The system of bipolar alliances may be contrasted with the system of a centrist alliance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It left operators jostling for position in a complex system of overlapping alliances and rivalries.

The Guardian - Business

This logic could have far-reaching repercussions for our system of military alliances.

The New York Times

It was the most grandiose of a series of peacekeeping efforts after World War I. Hoping to tie the United States into a system of protective alliances directed against a possible resurgence of German aggression, the French foreign minister, Aristide Briand, first suggested a bilateral nonaggression pact in the spring of 1927.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations, use "system of alliances" to refer to the structured agreements between nations for mutual benefit, especially in security or trade contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "system of alliances" loosely to describe any form of cooperation; reserve it for formalized agreements that have strategic implications, rather than casual collaborations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system of alliances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a structured arrangement of agreements, typically between nations, for mutual benefit, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "system of alliances" is a noun phrase referring to structured agreements between entities, most commonly nations, for mutual benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use in describing international relations, security, and power dynamics. While primarily neutral to formal in register, it's crucial to understand that this phrase is best used when referring to formalized agreements with strategic implications, and alternatives such as "network of alliances" or "alliance framework" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. Overall, its use enhances discussions about complex geopolitical strategies and historical events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

network of alliances

Replaces "system" with "network", emphasizing the interconnectedness of the alliances.

alliance framework

Substitutes "system" with "framework", highlighting the structure and organization of the alliances.

web of alliances

Uses "web" to illustrate the complex and intertwined nature of the alliances.

coalition of nations

Focuses on alliances specifically between nations, using "coalition" to describe the group.

treaty system

Highlights the formal agreement aspect of alliances, using "treaty" to specify the nature of the agreements.

alignment of powers

Emphasizes the power dynamics and strategic positioning created by the alliances.

league of nations

Implies a more formalized and potentially institutionalized form of alliance.

entente

Uses a single word to represent a friendly understanding or informal alliance between nations.

axis of cooperation

Highlights the cooperative aspect of alliances, using "axis" to denote a central point of collaboration.

bloc of countries

Focuses on a group of countries united by common interests or goals, forming a distinct bloc.

FAQs

How is a "system of alliances" different from a simple agreement?

A "system of alliances" implies a structured and often formalized network of agreements, typically involving mutual defense or strategic cooperation. A simple agreement might be a one-off deal without the long-term commitments inherent in a /s/system+of+alliances.

What are some examples of historical "system of alliances"?

Examples include the pre-World War I alliances between European powers, such as the Triple Alliance and the Entente Cordiale, or the Cold War era NATO and Warsaw Pact. These demonstrate how nations create intertwined commitments to maintain security.

Can "system of alliances" apply to non-political contexts?

While primarily used in political and military contexts, "system of alliances" can metaphorically describe structured partnerships in other fields, such as business or technology, where companies form strategic relationships for mutual gain.

What phrases can I use instead of "system of alliances"?

You can use alternatives like "network of alliances", "alliance framework", or "web of alliances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.