Is it safer for a country to have many different allies or to rely on one very powerful relationship?

Developed countries often think it’s safer to build different alliances for national security. The risk can be spread out, and strength in numbers helps. When a nation relies exclusively on one strong partner, they are left quite vulnerable if that partner’s political priorities change or is able to withdraw support. When a country has a large number of allies, it can get defence, economic and diplomatic support from many quarters. This complicates matters for an enemy trying to isolate the country, because so many different parties care about its protection.

Nonetheless, a partnership with a mighty superpower can provide instant security and advanced military equipment that no combination of others could match. While the protection offered through this might prevent all harm, it also removes our own agency. A weaker nation may have to amend its foreign policy to accommodate the superpower’s wishes to maintain strong ties with it. Having one strong friend is very efficient, there is only one line of command, however, multiple friends offer a far greater degree of stability and an escape route, such diplomatic actions will prevent total dependence on one government’s judgement.