The primary objective of the U.S. policy known as containment during the Cold War was to prevent the spread of communism worldwide. It aimed to counter the influence of the Soviet Union by supporting allied nations and fostering economic stability in vulnerable countries. The U.S. employed various strategies, including military alliances (like NATO), economic assistance through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, and military interventions in conflicts perceived as threats to democratic regimes. Containment fundamentally shaped U.S. foreign policy and its engagement in international relations throughout the Cold War era.