What is the general term for U.S. policy of preventing the spread of communism worldwide?

• A. Détente
• B. Containment
• C. Deterrence
• D. Appeasement

Answer: (B)

Preventing the spread of communism worldwide is described by the strategy of containment. This approach centers on keeping communism from expanding into new regions by applying a mix of political, economic, and military tools aimed at resisting expansion and supporting countries that might be threatened. It isn’t just about blocking one conflict; it’s a long-term effort to stop the USSR’s influence from growing beyond its borders, using alliances, aid, and, when necessary, military commitments to deter and roll back gains.

Detente refers to easing tensions and improving relations, which is the opposite timing and purpose of containment. Deterrence focuses on threatening retaliation to discourage actions, which is a tool within containment but not the overall policy name. Appeasement is about giving in to aggression to avoid conflict, which directly contradicts the containment goal.