Which theory argues that a communist victory in one country will lead to similar losses in neighboring countries?

• A. Containment Policy
• B. Domino Theory
• C. Deterrence
• D. Pacification

Answer: (B)

The domino theory is the idea that a communist victory in one country would trigger similar gains in neighboring countries, spreading influence like dominos falling in a row. This notion shaped Cold War thinking, because policymakers worried that stopping communism in one place would prevent a regional cascade, influencing decisions about intervention or aid to nearby nations.

This choice fits best because the scenario describes a chain reaction across borders, not just a general policy objective or a tactic. Containment is the overall strategy to stop expansion; deterrence is about discouraging aggression through threats; pacification focuses on winning control and stabilizing a region. None of those describe the specific fear of a cascade of Communist takeovers across neighboring countries the way the domino theory does.