Question

which best describes why stalin believed that having satellite states would help prevent future wars?
communism would make inequality a less likely source of conflict.
invaders would be afraid to attack such a unified force.
these countries would be indebted to and protect the soviet union.
spreading communism throughout europe would unify nations.

Explanation:

Stalin saw satellite states as buffer zones. These countries, being under Soviet influence, would act as a protective layer. If there was a threat of invasion, the satellite states would be the first line of defense, protecting the Soviet Union. Also, the Soviet Union had helped these countries (e.g., in liberation during WWII), so there was an element of debt - these countries would be more likely to side with and protect the Soviet Union.

Answer:

These countries would be indebted to and protect the Soviet Union.