Legal Definitions - containment

Definition: Containment is a policy used in international law to limit the spread of an enemy's ideology or territory. During the Cold War, the United States used this policy to prevent the Soviet Union from expanding its influence.

Example: The United States implemented the containment policy by providing military and economic aid to countries threatened by communism, such as South Korea and Vietnam. By doing so, the US hoped to prevent the spread of communism and limit the Soviet Union's power.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the containment policy was used to restrict the territorial expansion of the Soviet Union. By providing aid to countries threatened by communism, the US was able to prevent the spread of Soviet influence and limit their power. This policy was successful in preventing a direct military conflict between the US and the Soviet Union, known as the Cold War.