DOMINO THEORY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "domino theory" refers to a geopolitical concept that gained prominence during the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of the Cold War. It posits that if one country falls to communism or any other ideology deemed unfavorable, neighboring countries will subsequently follow, just as a row of dominoes collapses when one is toppled.
This theory suggests a chain reaction of political and ideological influence, making it crucial for powerful nations to intervene in order to prevent the spread of communism. It was widely used by policymakers and analysts to justify military interventions, particularly in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
The domino theory assumes that the expansion of communism is an irreversible and imminent threat, maintaining that if left unchallenged, it will rapidly engulf neighboring states. Advocates argue that containment, or actively preventing the spread of communism, is necessary to safeguard democratic values, protect regional stability, and avoid the total domination of communist regimes.
However, critics of the domino theory argue that it simplifies complex geopolitical dynamics and underestimates the individuality and independent decision-making capacity of nations. Skeptics also contend that it is often used as a pretext for interventionist foreign policies and that military actions have unintended consequences, sometimes exacerbating conflicts rather than resolving them.
Nonetheless, the domino theory has played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international relations discourse during the Cold War era.
Common Misspellings for DOMINO THEORY
- somino theory
- xomino theory
- comino theory
- fomino theory
- romino theory
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- dimino theory
- dkmino theory
- dlmino theory
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- donino theory
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- domuno theory
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Etymology of DOMINO THEORY
The term "domino theory" originated in the mid-20th century, during the Cold War, and was primarily used in the context of U.S. foreign policy. The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, but it likely relates to the game of dominoes.
The game of dominoes involves a series of tiles or pieces lined up in a row, with each piece affecting the position of the next. If one piece is knocked over, it can cause a chain reaction, leading to the fall of all the other pieces. This concept of one event leading to a series of subsequent events is what the domino theory was meant to convey.
In the context of geopolitics, the domino theory referred to the belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also succumb to communist influence, creating a domino effect.
Idioms with the word DOMINO THEORY
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domino theory
The domino theory is the belief that if one country falls under the influence of communism or a similar ideology, neighbouring countries will also fall, like a row of falling dominoes.
Similar spelling words for DOMINO THEORY
