What is the main benefit of maintaining independence when cultivating powerful alliances?

The main benefit of maintaining independence when cultivating powerful alliances is the preservation of sovereign decision-making and the protection of one's distinct interests. Independence, in this context, refers to the ability to retain autonomy and freedom to make decisions based on one's own strategic objectives and values, rather than being compelled or unduly influenced by allied partners. Powerful alliances are formal or informal partnerships between entities, such as nations or organizations, that pool resources or coordinate actions for mutual benefit, often involving partners with varying degrees of power or influence. By maintaining independence, an entity ensures it can pursue its own agenda, even when that agenda might diverge from the immediate goals of its allies, thereby preventing itself from becoming a junior or subservient partner. This capability safeguards against being drawn into conflicts or commitments that do not directly serve its core interests and provides the strategic flexibility to adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes or new opportunities without requiring unanimous consent from all alliance members. For example, a nation maintaining independence within a military alliance can choose to deploy its forces only when its own security interests are directly threatened, rather than automatically joining every intervention proposed by a more powerful ally.