What was one of the main goals of the Domino Theory during the Cold War?

The primary goal of the Domino Theory during the Cold War was to prevent the spread of communism in Asia. This theory suggested that the political events in one country could trigger similar events in neighboring countries, much like a row of falling dominoes. It was particularly significant in the context of Southeast Asia, where the United States feared that if one country fell under communist influence or control, others in the region would follow.

This belief influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions, leading to increased military and economic support for governments fighting against communist movements. It was a critical justification for American involvement in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, as policymakers aimed to contain communism and protect nations in the region from falling into the communist sphere. The urgency to act against perceived threats stemmed from the belief that each nation that succumbed to communism would further destabilize the geopolitical balance and encourage more nations to adopt similar ideologies.