Glossary
Invasion
In this dashboard, invasion means sustained cross-border military entry with offensive intent, supported by public evidence. It implies more than isolated exchanges and is treated as a status-level event.
Limited strike
A limited strike is a bounded military action that does not clearly indicate broader occupation or campaign objectives. These events can raise temperature significantly without automatically triggering `YES` status.
Proxy conflict
A proxy conflict involves indirect confrontation where external states support local armed actors with funding, equipment, or intelligence. Attribution and escalation pathways are typically less direct than in declared interstate war.
Escalation
Escalation is an increase in conflict intensity, scope, or immediacy. Signals include new force deployments, strike expansion, breakdown of talks, or explicit threats from state leadership.
Military mobilization
Military mobilization refers to preparing forces for potential operations through troop movement, readiness orders, reserve activation, logistics staging, or transport concentration. Mobilization can be deterrent, coercive, or pre-operational depending on accompanying signals.
Strategic deterrence
Strategic deterrence is the use of credible capability and signaling to discourage adversary action. It may involve force posture, alliance commitments, or public red-line messaging intended to shape decision-making.