"containment" in the context of post–world war ii international diplomacy on the part of the united states referred to the policy by which the united states committed itself to

Containment refers to the US's commitment to stopping the spread of communism. After World War II, the US and Soviet Union emerged as global superpowers. The US was concerned about the Soviet Union and their influence, as their communist system severely limited the rights of the citizens. Along with this, the government had a significant amount of control over the nation's economy.

To ensure that communism did not spread, the US implemented policies like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan in order to give financial assistance to countries struggling after World War II. The goal of these plans was to help stabilize different European countries in hopes that they would stay away from communist influence.