What term best describes a violent struggle for legitimacy and influence among various actors?

The term that best describes a violent struggle for legitimacy and influence among various actors is irregular warfare. This form of conflict typically involves non-state actors or unconventional forces engaging with state or established military forces, where the usual rules of engagement are often altered. Irregular warfare emphasizes the use of asymmetric tactics that can involve guerrilla operations, terrorism, and other forms of warfare that seek to undermine the legitimacy and efficiency of a state's power.

The focus on legitimacy is crucial in irregular warfare. Here, various groups may fight not just for territorial control but to gain the support and recognition of the local populations, competing for influence over societal narratives and values. The element of "influence" is particularly significant, as success in irregular warfare often hinges on winning the hearts and minds of the populace, which is a strategy aimed at delegitimizing the opponent.

In contrast, conventional warfare refers to direct military confrontation between states using regular armies and established tactics. Guerrilla warfare, while a component of irregular conflict, specifically denotes smaller groups employing hit-and-run tactics against larger forces, rather than a broad struggle for legitimacy. Cyber warfare involves conflicts conducted through digital means, targeting information systems rather than engaging in physical battles for control over populations or territory. Therefore, irregular warfare best encapsulates