Final answer:
Reagan's foreign policy, the Reagan Doctrine, aimed to confront and roll back communism globally, rather than just containing it as the previous policies had attempted. It involved supporting anti-communist resistance movements with military aid and covert operations, marking a shift from direct military engagement to indirect support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference between the Reagan Doctrine and Containment Policy
The centerpiece of President Ronald Reagan's foreign policy was a significant shift from the earlier Cold War policy of containment to a more aggressive stance known as the Reagan Doctrine. Unlike containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism, the Reagan Doctrine was proactive in its efforts to roll back communist influence around the world. This policy marked a departure from merely trying to hold the line against communism as implemented during the Vietnam War.
Under the Reagan Doctrine, the United States provided support to guerrilla fighters and resistance movements opposed to communist regimes. This assistance was often in the form of military aid, training, or covert operations conducted by the CIA. The doctrine was applied in various global regions, but notable instances include backing the Contras in Nicaragua and supporting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union. While supporters of the doctrine claimed it achieved anti-Communist victories with minimal American troop involvement, critics argued this approach had the potential for negative unforeseen consequences, comparing it to the Bay of Pigs Invasion or the U.S. role in instating the shah of Iran in 1953.
Furthermore, Reagan's strategy saw a significant increase in defense spending and a focus on achieving peace through strength. This buildup aimed to position the United States to negotiate with the Soviet Union from a stronger vantage point, exemplified by Reagan's negotiations with Mikhail Gorbachev, leading to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).