Which term describes warfare between regular military forces aiming to defeat adversaries?

The term that best describes warfare between regular military forces aiming to defeat adversaries is "traditional warfare." This concept typically involves conventional military engagements between nations or groups that possess standardized armies, engaging in direct combat and utilizing organized strategies and tactics. Traditional warfare is characterized by the use of established military protocols, formations, and weaponry, focusing on defeating the enemy through direct confrontation.

Asymmetrical warfare, for instance, refers to conflicts where there is a significant imbalance in military capabilities and tactics, often with unconventional approaches deployed by the weaker party. Proxy warfare involves indirect engagement, where one power uses third parties to fight on its behalf, frequently seen in modern geopolitical conflicts. Hybrid warfare blends conventional and unconventional tactics, aiming to achieve strategic objectives through a combination of military and non-military means.

In contrast, traditional warfare is centered around the principle of regular forces clashing directly on the battlefield, which makes it the correct choice in this context.