Containment was implemented through a variety of means, including military alliances, economic sanctions, and political pressure. The United States and its allies formed military alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) to deter Soviet aggression. They also provided military and economic aid to countries that were threatened by communism.
The United States also used economic sanctions to pressure the Soviet Union and its allies. For example, the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. The United States also pressured other countries to reduce their trade with the Soviet Union and its allies.
Finally, the United States used political pressure to try to influence the Soviet Union and its allies. For example, the United States threatened to use nuclear weapons if the Soviet Union invaded Western Europe. The United States also supported anti-communist movements in countries such as Poland and Hungary.
Containment was a controversial policy, and it has been criticized by both liberals and conservatives. Some critics argue that containment was too aggressive and that it led to unnecessary conflicts, such as the Vietnam War. Others argue that containment was not aggressive enough and that it allowed the Soviet Union to expand its influence in the world.
Despite the criticism, containment was a major feature of US foreign policy during the Cold War. It helped to prevent the spread of communism and the influence of the Soviet Union, and it contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.