Benevolent neutrality is a term used by Ernest May to describe United States foreign policy regarding involvement in World War I. Examples were seen shortly before the war, with the League of the Three Emperors, an agreement between the powers of Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. It is distinct from strict neutrality because America had some favorable policies towards the Allies; for example, generally favorable trade decisions, accentuated by the better availability of information about the Allies, and the pre-existing state of public opinion. Eventually, benevolent neutrality favoured the Allies even more, allowing them loans and arms.
It also played a role in World War II, in that US trade policies and diplomatic aid favoured the future Allied powers of United Kingdom and France.