Which type of war demonstrates conscious restraint in armed conflict?

Limited war demonstrates conscious restraint in armed conflict as it is characterized by the decision to not utilize all available military capabilities or to avoid escalation to a full-scale war. The objective of limited war is often to achieve specific political goals while minimizing collateral damage and avoiding total destruction of the opponent's military and infrastructure. This approach can involve selectively targeting military assets, engaging in strategic negotiations, or adhering to specific rules of engagement that restrict the use of certain types of weapons or tactics.

In the context of limited war, belligerents are often aware of the broader implications of their actions, aiming to achieve their objectives without provoking a larger conflict. This restraint may arise from various factors, including political considerations, international law, and the desire to maintain a degree of stability within a region. The idea is to engage in conflict with a clear end goal, while carefully managing the scale and impact of the military actions employed.

The other types of war listed do not emphasize this level of restraint in the same way. Low-intensity conflict usually involves engagements that are more irregular and may lack the same strategic focus. General war tends to involve full-scale warfare with the potential for maximal destruction, while tactical war focuses on immediate battlefield strategies without the broader political restraint characteristic of limited war.