Which geopolitical theory suggests that local conflicts can lead to larger regional instability?

The correct answer is the domino theory, which postulates that political events in one country can trigger similar events in neighboring countries, leading to widespread regional instability. This concept was particularly prominent during the Cold War, particularly concerning the spread of communism. The theory illustrates how local conflicts, such as a political change or an uprising in one country, could create a ripple effect in the surrounding nations, resulting in a larger geopolitical crisis.

By focusing on the interconnectedness of nations and the potential for conflicts to escalate, the domino theory emphasizes the importance of understanding localized struggles within a broader geopolitical context. This perspective reveals how seemingly isolated events can influence regional dynamics, which is critical when analyzing international relations and security concerns.

In contrast, the other theories listed—world-systems theory, cold war theory, and realism theory—offer different frameworks for understanding global interactions and conflicts but do not specifically highlight the phenomenon where localized issues can create larger regional instability in the same decisive manner as the domino theory.