War and conflict refer to a state of armed struggle between different groups, nations, or communities, often characterized by violence, hostility, and significant disruption to normal societal functions. War typically involves organized groups that use military tactics, strategies, and technology to achieve specific political, territorial, or ideological objectives. It can arise from a variety of factors, including disputes over resources, national sovereignty, ethnic tensions, and power dynamics.
Conflict, on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum of disputes that may not necessarily lead to full-scale warfare. It can manifest in various forms, such as political arguments, social unrest, or civil strife, and can occur at several levels, from interpersonal disagreements to international crises.
While all wars are forms of conflict, not all conflicts escalate to the level of war. The study of war and conflict examines their causes, conduct, consequences, and the efforts toward resolution and peacebuilding. Understanding these terms is critical in fields such as political science, international relations, sociology, and peace studies.