Final answer:
Isolationism is the term for the U.S. foreign policy of avoiding disputes and entanglements with other countries, as exercised historically before World War II, following President Washington's advice against entangling alliances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a foreign policy under which the United States avoided disputes and entanglements with other nations is isolationism. This policy is characterized by a nation's effort to remain apart from the political affairs of other countries. Throughout its history, particularly before the onset of World War II, the United States often practiced isolationism, adhering to the advice of President George Washington to avoid 'entangling alliances' with foreign nations, particularly in Europe. While this approach was somewhat relaxed following World War II, there have been periodic calls for its return, reflecting an ongoing debate within U.S. foreign policy circles.
In line with isolationist policy were several doctrines and practices, such as the Monroe Doctrine, specifying the Western Hemisphere as a primary area of U.S. interest and warning European powers against further colonization or interference. The isolationist tendency was also evident in Congress's control over tasks such as making war and confirming ambassadors, with a careful approach to avoid unnecessary foreign conflicts.