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

The "falling domino" theory is a concept that emerged during the Cold War, particularly in relation to the spread of communism. It posits that if one country falls under communist influence or control, neighboring countries would subsequently be at greater risk of also succumbing to communism. This theory was particularly significant in justifying U.S. intervention in various global conflicts, as it suggested that the loss of a single ally to communism could lead to a chain reaction, potentially destabilizing an entire region.

This concern was a key factor in U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era. Policymakers feared that if Vietnam fell to communism, other countries in the region, like Laos and Cambodia, might also fall, thus threatening U.S. strategic interests and the stability of non-communist regimes.

The other options reflect different perspectives but do not capture the essence of the "falling domino" theory as it directly pertains to concerns over the spread of communism influencing multiple nations. The emphasis of the theory is fundamentally on the interconnectedness of political outcomes in neighboring countries, highlighting a significant component of Cold War-era foreign policy thinking.