WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test

On which foreign policy initiative would the U.S. most likely collaborate with NATO member nations?

1. Promoting economic growth in developing countries

2. Containing the expansion of authoritarian states

3. Enhancing global trade agreements

4. Supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide

The correct answer is: Containing the expansion of authoritarian states

The U.S. would most likely collaborate with NATO member nations on containing the expansion of authoritarian states due to the foundational objectives of NATO, which include collective defense and security cooperation among its members. NATO was established primarily in response to the perceived threat posed by the Soviet Union and has evolved to address contemporary challenges posed by authoritarian regimes that may threaten democratic values or regional stability. When U.S. and NATO align their policies to contain authoritarianism, they typically involve strategic military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated diplomatic efforts aimed at these states. This collaboration is driven by the understanding that threats to democracy and freedom in one region can have repercussions globally and may challenge the security environment for all NATO members. The other options, while important issues, do not align as closely with NATO's primary mission of collective defense and security. For instance, promoting economic growth in developing countries and enhancing global trade agreements are more focused on economic and developmental aspects rather than security. Supporting humanitarian efforts, while admirable and often a shared goal among NATO members, typically falls outside the strict realm of defense and security collaboration. Thus, the initiative that best fits the collaborative framework of NATO is the containment of authoritarian states.