"Sympathy for the favorite Nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter..."See in text(Text of Washington's Address)
Washington takes a stance of skepticism towards the agendas of other nations, even those that would approach the United States with overtures of friendship and “common interest.” In Washington’s view, there is only “imaginary common interest” between any two nations. The benefits are spoiled by the risk that the problems of one nation will spill into the other with no guards in place. Furthermore, foreign alliances give rise to individuals with mixed motives who, feigning a virtuous attitude of international magnanimity, seek personal gain. The arguments Washington sets forth in this paragraph appeal to reason, attempting to sway the audience through logic.
