domino theory

(noun)

A theory prominent from the 1950s to the 1980s, that speculated that if one country in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow in a domino effect. It was used by successive United States administrations during the Cold War to justify the need for American intervention around the world.

Related Terms

  • Gulf of Tonkin
  • North Vietnam
  • 17th Parallel
  • First Indochina War
  • Việt Minh
  • August Revolution

(noun)

The theory that, if South Vietnam fell to Communism, it would be followed by Cambodia, Laos, and additional South Asian countries.

Related Terms

  • Gulf of Tonkin
  • North Vietnam
  • 17th Parallel
  • First Indochina War
  • Việt Minh
  • August Revolution

Examples of domino theory in the following topics:

  • Modern Republicanism

    • In 1954, Eisenhower first articulated the domino theory in his description of the threat surrounding the spread of communism.
  • Indochina: The Background to War

    • Eisenhower explained the escalation risk, introducing what he referred to as the "domino principle," which eventually became the concept of domino theory.
    • It speculated that if one country in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow in a domino effect.
  • Commitment to Vietnam

    • He did believe, however, in the Domino Theory: that if one country came under Communist rule, neighboring countries would soon follow.
    • President Johnson believed in the "Domino Effect" and escalated America's involvement in Vietnam.
  • Proof by Mathematical Induction

    • It may be helpful to think of the domino effect.
    • If one is presented with a long row of dominoes standing on end, one can be sure that:
    • So it is concluded that all of the dominoes will fall, and that this fact is inevitable.
    • Mathematical induction can be informally illustrated by reference to the sequential effect of falling dominoes.
  • Intangibility

    • For example, in the case of two fast food chains serving a similar product (Pizza Hut and Domino's), it is the service quality, not the actual product, that distinguishes the two brands from each other.
  • Conflict Theory

    • Provide an overview of conflict theory, including its most prominent theorists.
  • Consequences of Banking Crises

    • There is a distinctive cyclical nature to these adverse effects, as each are interconnected in a way that creates a domino effect across the domestic economic system.
  • Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

    • Normally, these changes are travelling (except for standing waves); the disturbance is moving away from whatever created it, in a kind of domino effect.
  • Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation

  • Managerial Assumption: McGregor

    • McGregor's main theory is comprised of Theory X and Theory Y.
    • Theory Y is in line with behavioral management theories.
    • Theory Y managers are generally the opposite.
    • McGregor was a lifetime proponent of Theory Y.
    • Explain Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y approach, merging classical and behavioral organizational theories
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