noun
Describes a situation where opposing forces, opinions, or interests are in active conflict or competition, often with a sense of mutual pushing or vying.
両国の間には領土をめぐるせめぎ合いが続いている。
There is an ongoing conflict between the two countries over territory.
会議では新旧の意見のせめぎ合いが見られた。
At the meeting, a clash between old and new opinions was observed.
Compound of 攻め (seme, 'attacking') + 合い (ai, 'mutual'), from the verb せめぎ合う (to fight each other). The kanji 鬩 is rare and means 'to quarrel'.