Final answer:
The foreign policy associated with refraining from global affairs is isolationism, which characterized U.S. policy until the early 20th century but later evolved into a more engaged stance while retaining some isolationist elements as neo-isolationism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The foreign policy of refraining from involvement in global affairs is known as isolationism. Historically, during the period from the end of the Revolutionary War until the early 20th century, U.S. foreign policy was predominately isolationist. Notable figures like Thomas Jefferson and President George Washington advocated for non-involvement, emphasizing the benefits of avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts, which subsequently influenced the nation's approach for many years.
Despite strong isolationist sentiments, the U.S. eventually embraced a more international role, especially after World War II. Since then, policies such as containment, deterrence, and selective engagement have guided U.S. actions on the global stage. The legacy of isolationism, however, has endured in various forms, like neo-isolationism, reflecting a preference for minimizing involvement in international organizations that could limit the nation's autonomy while maintaining economic ties and security alliances.
Throughout American history, the tension between isolationism and international engagement has shaped the country's foreign policy decisions, reflecting changing circumstances and the evolving role of the United States in world affairs.