Final answer:
One reason two countries may sign a treaty to create a direct agreement with one another is b. To establish trade agreements. Two countries may sign a treaty to establish trade agreements, which can enhance economic relations by reducing trade barriers. Treaties can also address various other aspects of international relations, such as security, as seen in the formation of NATO to protect against Soviet aggression and the creation of the United Nations to maintain global peace.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason two countries may sign a treaty to create a direct agreement with one another is b. To establish trade agreements. Treaties are formal agreements between two or more sovereign states and are used to conduct official relations that can cover a multitude of topics, including but not limited to economic, defense, and cultural matters. In the context of international relations, treaties are often used to secure mutually beneficial arrangements such as trade agreements, which can lead to reduced tariffs, improved access to markets, and the facilitation of imports and exports between the signing countries.
For example, during the Cold War, the primary goal of U.S. foreign policy was to c. prevent the Soviet Union from spreading communism outside Eastern Europe. This objective shaped many international agreements and treaties of that time. Similarly, the creation of organizations like NATO was a strategic move d. to protect Western countries from Soviet aggression, which constitutes another form of treaty borne out of the need for collective security.
Lastly, the United Nations was created b. After World War II, to promote international peace. This global organization is a prime example of a multilateral treaty where nations agree to work collectively toward maintaining international peace and security, among other objectives.