It is best and most prudent to have commercial intercourse with all nations, but political ties with none.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A nation should trade freely with all but entangle itself politically with none — commercial openness and political independence are the twin pillars of sound foreign policy.

Where this applies

• A nation debates whether to join a military alliance with a trading partner; advisors counsel that trade should continue freely but the political alliance would entangle the nation in foreign conflicts.
• Congress considers a treaty that would grant a foreign government influence over domestic energy policy in exchange for favorable trade terms — critics argue the trade can happen without the political strings.
• A state governor proposes a sister-city agreement that includes political commitments beyond mere commerce — opponents invoke the principle that trade ties should not become political bonds.