Which term refers to the U.S. policy of stopping the spread of communism through a combination of political, military, and economic pressure?

• A. Containment
• B. Detente
• C. Isolationism
• D. Nonalignment

Answer: (A)

Containment is the policy of stopping the spread of communism through a combination of political, military, and economic pressure. After World War II, the United States sought to prevent Soviet influence from expanding by supporting allies, forming security alliances, deterring aggressions, and providing economic aid to countries resisting communist movements. This approach used diplomacy, military readiness, and economic rebuilding to shore up noncommunist governments and curb communist expansion. Detente means easing tensions, isolationism means avoiding involvement, and nonalignment means not aligning with either major bloc; these describe different approaches, not the strategy of halting communist spread through the mix of pressure described here.