Insignificant relationships failing to begin meaningful ones (9)
I believe the answer is:
alliances
'insignificant relationships' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both relationships as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for alliances that I've seen before include "Unions, associations" , "partnerships" , "The court of the papel see" .)