Alliances
I believe the answer is:
ties
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">alliances</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(I've seen this in another clue)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for ties that I've seen before include "Binds with male neckwear" , "obligations" , "Drawn games" , "Fastens with a knot" , "Connects" .)