America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term 'rollback theory' in Reagan's foreign policy specifically refers to the strategy of actively undermining and seeking to remove Communist governments, particularly in Eastern Europe and other regions influenced by Soviet communism. This approach was grounded in a belief that the United States had a moral and strategic obligation to combat the spread of communism, rather than simply containing it, which was characteristic of the previous policy of containment.

Rollback included a range of tactics, such as supporting anti-communist movements, providing military assistance to insurgents or dissident groups, and utilizing propaganda campaigns to weaken the legitimacy and strength of communist regimes. This strategy was a reflection of Reagan's assertion of a more aggressive stance against the Soviet Union, encapsulated in his famous speeches and initiatives, including the support for Solidarity in Poland and other liberation movements around the globe.

In contrast, reinforcing existing military alliances, imposing economic sanctions, or reducing nuclear arms through treaties do not align directly with the concept of rollback. Those strategies primarily focus on maintaining the status quo, managing risk, or improving diplomatic relations, rather than directly challenging and seeking the removal of communist influences. Thus, the focus on undermining and removing Communist governments best captures the essence of rollback theory in Reagan's foreign policy.