America's Foreign Policy Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, ExComm, which was President Kennedy’s Executive Committee of the National Security Council, faced the challenge of responding to the presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The decision to implement a naval blockade, referred to as a "quarantine," was pivotal in managing the crisis without escalating it into a military confrontation.

The naval blockade provided an immediate and visible means to prevent further shipments of military equipment to Cuba and allowed time for diplomatic negotiations. This choice avoided the potential for violent action that could have led to war, particularly given the risks associated with aerial bombardment or a ground invasion. The blockade was also a calculated response that aimed to show strength while maintaining relative restraint, giving the United States the upper hand in negotiations with the Soviet Union.

The strategy of a naval blockade effectively applied pressure on the Soviet leadership, demonstrating American resolve while also opening up channels for diplomatic dialogue. Ultimately, this approach led to a resolution in which the Soviets agreed to remove their missiles from Cuba in exchange for U.S. concessions, including a secret agreement to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.

In summary, the choice of a naval blockade was significant as it balanced military readiness with diplomatic options, helping to de-escalate