What type of conflict is characterized as a political-military confrontation involving competing ideologies?

Low-intensity conflict is characterized as a political-military confrontation where actors engage in hostilities that are often influenced by competing ideologies. This type of conflict typically involves less conventional warfare tactics, such as guerrilla warfare or insurgency, and exists within a broader political context. The focus is often on influencing the population and gaining control over territory or political power rather than the outright destruction of the opponent's military capabilities.

This type of conflict may include various methods of warfare, including terrorism or civil wars, where ideologies play a crucial role in mobilizing support and shaping the strategies employed. Low-intensity conflicts often persist over extended periods and can cause significant social and political divisions within affected regions, even without large-scale military engagements.

In contrast, general war refers to large-scale wars between nations that typically involve the full mobilization of national resources and a wide range of military capabilities. Limited war involves more constrained objectives and could be characterized by a set scope or parameters in both the political and military arenas. Tactical war tends to focus on specific battles or engagements rather than the broader ideological confrontations that define low-intensity conflicts.