ideological warfare; propaganda war
Refers to conflict waged through ideas, propaganda, and information rather than physical weapons. Often used in political, historical, or media contexts.
During the Cold War, the two countries waged an intense ideological war.
Social media has become a battleground for modern propaganda wars.
心理戦 is psychological warfare targeting emotions and morale, whereas 思想戦 is about competing doctrines and worldviews.
Compound of 思想 (thought, ideology) and 戦 (war, battle). A modern term likely coined in the context of 20th-century ideological conflicts.