Which foreign policy theory argues that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will follow?

Which foreign policy theory argues that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will follow?

• A. Domino Theory
• B. Containment
• C. Deterrence
• D. Isolationism

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is the domino effect: one country falling to communism is seen as likely to trigger nearby states to follow, like a line of dominoes toppling one after another. This predicts a cascading spread of influence across a region, which is why it was used to justify early Cold War interventions aimed at stopping any single country's shift from spreading. The other options describe different approaches: Containment is about preventing the spread of communism, not predicting a cascade; Deterrence relies on threats to discourage aggression; Isolationism involves staying out of international affairs. So the concept that best fits the description is the domino theory.

The idea tested is the domino effect: one country falling to communism is seen as likely to trigger nearby states to follow, like a line of dominoes toppling one after another. This predicts a cascading spread of influence across a region, which is why it was used to justify early Cold War interventions aimed at stopping any single country's shift from spreading. The other options describe different approaches: Containment is about preventing the spread of communism, not predicting a cascade; Deterrence relies on threats to discourage aggression; Isolationism involves staying out of international affairs. So the concept that best fits the description is the domino theory.