What policy aims to prevent the spread of communism?

The policy that aims to prevent the spread of communism is known as containment. This strategy emerged during the Cold War as a response to the perceived threat of communism expanding beyond the countries where it had already taken root. Containment sought to curb the influence of communist ideology and prevent its spread into non-communist nations, primarily through political, military, and economic means.

The context behind this policy includes the belief that if communism was allowed to expand unchecked, it could lead to a domino effect, where neighboring countries would also fall under communist influence. Thus, containment was not just about military intervention but also involved forming alliances, providing economic assistance to countries resisting communism, and supporting anti-communist regimes.

In contrast, isolationism refers to a national policy of avoiding political or military engagement with other countries, which would not effectively address the threat of communism. Intervention suggests a more active involvement, often militarily, which could lead to escalation rather than prevention. Expansionism describes a policy of territorial or ideological growth, which runs counter to the essence of containment aimed at limiting communism's reach.