USA

War on Terror: a global ideological war against Muslim terrorism.
 
Initiated by USA in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, mainly against Muslim insurgents, especially al Qaeda or any groups perceived to be affiliated. Sometimes involves active military action (Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan), sometimes diplomatic, proxy and secret action (Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Iran, Syria, Philippines, Indonesia, Chechnya).
 
Motivated by right-wing Christian ideology, focused particularly around Israel and apocalyptic prophecy; by the influence of oil and military-industrial interests; and also reflecting an extension of Cold War mentality favouring US interests, global supremacy, the arms and oil trades through military dominance.
 
By framing various Muslim and other insurgencies as ‘terrorism’, military and other actions are justified as a means of threatening states to ally with USA or permit US military influence in many regions.
 
The global conflict affects domestic public rights and social militarisation domestically in USA. The conflict is likely to continue a long time, even with a policy softening by a new president, but economic realities could cause loss of momentum in pursuing this war of influence.
 
Ideologically, this conflict is driven by both Christian and Muslim extremists who influence the wider cultures of their respective nations and sides. The commission or neutrality of nations in the West, Asia and the Middle East is a vital factor in perpetuation of the conflict.
 
Casualties: Iraq around 1m; Afghanistan 50,000.
 

Links:

Wikipedia: War on Terror
BBC: The Power of Nightmares
NATO: Terrorism
U Michigan: War on Terror
CNN: War on Terror