Limited war refers to an armed conflict between two or more nations or groups that is restricted in terms of the objectives pursued, the territory involved, or the means applied. There are different terms used to refer to limited war, including "conflict short of war," "restricted war," "partial war," "minor war," "local war," and "proxy war." These terms signify the nature and scope of the conflict and its expected duration and intensity. The use of limited war allows nations to achieve their strategic and political objectives without engaging in a full-scale war that would risk greater destruction and loss of lives.