Domino Theory fuels interventions from "summary" of Killing Hope by William Blum
The Domino Theory was a powerful force driving US interventions around the world during the Cold War. The idea was simple: if one country fell to communism, then neighboring countries would also fall in succession like a row of dominoes. This theory provided a convenient justification for US military interventions in countries deemed at risk of communist takeover. The fear of communism spreading like a contagion led the US to intervene in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The belief was that if these countries were allowed to fall to communism, it would set off a chain reaction in the region. This fear of the domino effect fueled military interventions, coups, and covert operations in these countries. The Domino Theory also provided a rationale for US support of brutal dictatorships and authoritarian regimes in order to prevent the spread of communism. The US justified supporting oppressive regimes in countries like Iran, Guatemala, and Chile by arguing that they were necessary to stop the advance of communism. However, the Domino Theory was not always based on solid evidence. In many cases, the threat of communism was exaggerated or even fabricated in order to justify military interventions. The US often used the Domino Theory as a pretext for pursuing its own geopolitical interests rather than genuinely trying to prevent the spread of communism. Despite its flaws, the Domino Theory had a significant impact on US foreign policy during the Cold War. It led to interventions that had far-reaching consequences for the countries involved, often resulting in violence, instability, and human rights abuses. The Domino Theory fueled interventions that shaped the course of history in the 20th century.
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