What is defined as a violent clash of interests between organized groups characterized by the use of military force?

War is defined as a violent clash of interests between organized groups characterized by the use of military force. This definition encompasses not just the individual incidents that may occur, but rather the broader, sustained engagements between nations or organized entities that involve large-scale military operations. War typically has political, economic, and social objectives, and its execution involves strategic planning and coordination among various branches of military forces.

In contrast, conflict refers to a broader range of disagreements that may not necessarily involve military force or lead to war. It can occur at personal, community, or international levels and is not strictly military in nature. Combat and battle refer to specific instances of fighting within the larger context of war. Combat describes the act of fighting itself, while a battle is a distinct event or engagement within a war, often resulting in a specific outcome but not the overarching framework of sustained military confrontation that war represents. Therefore, the definition of war encompasses the complexities and duration of the military engagements between organized groups, making it the correct answer.