What term describes the U.S. strategy of containing Soviet Influence during the Cold War?

The term that defines the U.S. strategy of containing Soviet influence during the Cold War is "Containment." This strategy was primarily articulated by diplomat George F. Kennan in the late 1940s and aimed to prevent the expansion of communism beyond its existing borders. The policy was a response to the perceived threat of Soviet expansion into Eastern Europe and other parts of the world, focusing on diplomatic, military, and economic measures to limit Soviet power and influence.

Containment shaped numerous U.S. foreign policies and actions, leading to the establishment of NATO, involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and various efforts to support anti-communist regimes and movements around the world. By committing to this policy, the U.S. aimed to ensure that communism did not spread further and to protect democratic nations from falling under Soviet control.

In contrast, isolationism refers to a foreign policy approach that advocates for minimal involvement in international affairs, which is not aligned with the active strategies employed during the Cold War. Engagement suggests a partnership or working relationship with other nations, while interventionism denotes direct involvement in the affairs of other countries often involving military forces, which could be seen as a part of containment but does not encapsulate the overall